The FWPCA exists to foster the study of popular culture in its many forms across a diverse range of academic disciplines and through a variety of intellectual approaches, with a special emphasis on topics concerning Las Vegas, the state of Nevada, and the American Far West more broadly. It includes the study of literature, music, theater, film and television, comic books, games, and creative work of all types, both historically and of the current day, from across cultures.
To further this end, the FWPCA organizes an annual conference that embraces inclusivity, intellectual growth, and the exploration of how popular culture intersects with the past, present, and future. The conference embodies the legacy of FWPCA founder Felicia F. Campbell, who pushed boundaries and forged new paths throughout her long career. It is a platform for sharing ideas that help us rethink how what we read, hear, watch, play, and create can tell us more about ourselves and each other. The conference is held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, either in person or remotely.
The FWPCA strives to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters engagement and exploration by all. Our work is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and intellectual curiosity. The organization does not tolerate discrimination based on age, creed, color, gender, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other category protected under applicable law.
The Far West Popular Culture Association’s 34th annual conference will be held from March 4 to March 6, 2022 remotely.
Last year’s conference was entirely remote. To see videos of each conference session and digital copies of the papers presented, please visit the FWPCA 33 digital repository.
Each year, the conference offers a platform for sharing ideas that help us rethink how what we read, hear, watch, play, and create can tell us more about ourselves and each other.
What can you present at the conference? Most presenters develop a traditional academic paper, whose results they summarize in a 15-minute talk. If you have a completed paper at the time of the conference, it will be published as part of the proceedings. We do not claim exclusive copyright on works published in the proceedings, so you are free to submit it to a journal as well. Some present their own creative work, ranging from creative non-fiction to poetry. Others participate in roundtable panels discussing an aspect of popular culture.
