Context and Meaning is an annual juried graduate student conference organized entirely by Queen’s University Art History students. Since its inauguration, the conference has grown to become one of the most respected graduate student conferences in Canada.

Each year, a new committee selects a topic that will appeal to both historical and contemporary topics and that is relevant to objects considered “fine art” as well as those encountered every day. Submissions are welcomed from students in all disciplines that engage with visual and material culture. The intentionally broad reach of the conference has proved fruitful, facilitating interdisciplinary discussions among both students whose work is similar and those who deal with temporarily and geographically disparate topics.

Context and Meaning is always a highly anticipated event, not only for the intellectual stimulation that it provides, but also the opportunity to network with graduate students across North America. The conference has regularly attracted students from as far away as the University of British Columbia, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Columbia University, and the University of Alberta, in addition to those from places closer to home, such as the University of Toronto, York University, Western University, McGill University, the University of Guelph, and Concordia University. Recent online and hybrid conferences have also enjoyed international participation from students in Australia, Ireland, India, and Switzerland.