Dates 6th till 9th of September, 2025
Place: Sozopol, Bulgaria
The Southeast European Centre for Semiotic Studies and the New Bulgarian University invite you to take part in the 29th Early Fall School of Semiotics, to be held under the framework of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), and with the support of the Strategic Development Fund of New Bulgarian University.
The XXIX edition of the European Forum for Semiotic Studies (EFSS) is themed “Artificial vs. Natural Creativity: Semiotic and Interdisciplinary Perspectives.” This year’s event will take place from 6th to the 9th of September in Sozopol, Bulgaria.
The theme of the school is inspired by the ERUA Research cluster “Artificial Intelligence and Creative Industry Employment Disruption (AICIED)” and will address two key perspectives:
- first, the semiotic analysis of creativity as a textual strategy for AI-driven content generation,
- and second, a multidisciplinary perspective towards the practical implications of AI in the creative industries.
As AI technologies permeate creative industries — from content creation to design and media production — creative workers face growing anxieties about their roles and economic security. The trend of AI replacing human creativity, rather than augmenting, raises urgent ethical, social, and legal concerns. We encourage a critical examination of a central contemporary question: the irreplaceability of human creativity.
- Can machines truly replicate the nuanced, context-dependent, and deeply human aspects of creative expression?
- What is lost when artistic labor is devalued or displaced by automated systems?
- How can we champion human creativity as an essential element of a democratic cultural sphere?
We seek contributions that assess the intrinsic and societal value of creative work, investigate the transformative impact of AI on labor markets, and propose policy and legislative frameworks to safeguard creative labor against unchecked corporate automation.
At this semiotic and interdisciplinary forum, we welcome participants to address the following topics:
- Theoretical Foundations of Creativity:
- Semiotic, Philosophical, and Theoretical Perspectives
- Creative Practice and Reflection:
- Practice and Autoethnography of Creativity
- AI and Creative Processes:
- AI-Assisted Creativity
- Creativity from the Perspective of AI Design and Computer Science
- Legal and Ethical Dimensions:
- AI and Intellectual Property Rights
- Ethical Aspects of AI-Generated Work
- Business and Social Impact:
- Implications for Management and Business
- Implications for Social and Creative Business Entrepreneurship
- AI in Education and Analysis:
- AI for Creative Education and Research
- Semiotic Analysis of AI-Created Texts
Selected papers will be published in the 9th issue of the journal Digital Age in Semiotics and Communication (ISSN, DOI, CEEOL).
Who can participate:
The event is open to participants from all partner universities – researchers, bachelor, master and PhD students who are interested in exploring the evolving landscape of creativity and creative labor in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
This event combines a scientific conference with intensive course for students of all levels, with practical workshops and thematic social program. The format of the EFSS is unique and continuously changing in pursue of academic innovation and educational efficiency.
Upon successful completion, the Early Fall School will award 3 ECTS.
You can register to participate following the instructions below:
Registration Details:
- Program Dates: 6th to 9th of September, 2025
- Location: Sozopol, Bulgaria
- How to Apply: Interested candidates should fill out the REGISTRATION FORM no later than the 15th of July 2025.
For more information, confirmed plenary speakers and details on the planed workshops please visit the following link or download the information here!
