The COSMO-ART Conference on Rock Art
Rock Art Site Management in Southern Africa: Towards a Cosmopolitan Approach
International Conference
30 Nov. ― 06 Dec. 2025, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa
Abstracts Submission Deadline: 30 May 2025
The conference aims to explore the challenges posed by overlapping issues involved in the management of rock art sites. The focus will be on rock art sites in southern Africa, but case studies from other regions are welcome insofar as they are relevant for comparison.
Rock art heritage-making is a particularly complex process, involving multiple stakeholders with sets of values that sometimes overlap, but can also diverge. Managing rock art sites in an inclusive and sustainable manner therefore requires a holistic approach that recognises the diversity of practices and the different ways in which stakeholders define what constitutes heritage. This raises questions such as: Who are the users of the sites and to what extent? What are the values attributed to rock art and by whom? How are these values used, possibly adapted, and communicated (from education to tourism development)? What are the perceived threats to these sites? How can Western-inspired conservation measures and traditional custodianship systems work together?
The COSMO-ART international conference “Rock Art Site Management in Southern Africa: Towards a Cosmopolitan Approach” will mark the conclusion of the COSMO-ART research project, report on the methods developed within COSMO-ART to contribute to answering these questions and their results, and open up discussion with international delegates to work together towards the effective implementation of a cosmopolitan approach to managing rock art sites.
Provisional Programme
During the conference, discussions are also planned with the Khwe and !Xun communities of Platfontein, who live near the rock engravings of Wildebeest Kuil.
For those wishing to stay longer in the Northern Cape, we’ll post here a list of private tourist providers.
Proceedings
The publication of the conference proceedings will follow a peer review process. Depending on feasibility, this will be a special issue of an accredited journal recognised by as many academic institutions as possible.
Abstract Format and Content
Only one abstract per presenting author
Presenting authors can send their abstracts to: anr.cosmo.art@gmail.com. In the subject line of the email, please indicate session number (e.g., “COSMO-ART Conference – session X”).
Screening Process
Once anonymised, the abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee and assessed according to the following criteria: consistency with the theme of the session and, for case studies not relating to southern Africa, their contribution to a comparative approach.
Registration Fees
Registration fees cover light refreshments and lunches on Monday 01/12, Tuesday 02/12, Thursday 04/12, and Friday 05/12.
IMPORTANT: They do NOT include accommodation.
A list of accommodation options will be provided later in the year (July-August).
A payment is needed to confirm your participation. Only people who have made payment will be considered for the conference programme.
For students:
Applications to apply for sponsorship to cover your registration fees are limited. Please include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, and an estimate of the cost of the least expensive means of transportation to Kimberley.
Early bird registration fees
(before the 30/09/2025).
Standard registration fees
(before the 30/10/2025)
Costs of optional activities
Organising Committee
Scientific Committee
Key dates



