June 18–20, 2027 | Reed College and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
The International Association of Synaesthetes, Artists, and Scientists (IASAS) is delighted to announce our next international synesthesia symposium, taking place June 18–20, 2027, in Portland, Oregon.
The three-day symposium is currently in development under the leadership of Anna Mantheakis, IASAS Board Member and co-founder of Urban Wild Spirits, who will serve as Chair of the 2027 Reed College Symposium and Events. Planning is underway with the assistance of Michael Pitts, PhD, Chair of the Psychology Department at Reed College. Building on the success of previous IASAS gatherings, the Portland symposium will bring together researchers, artists, synesthetes, and interdisciplinary thinkers to explore the science, art, and lived experience of synesthesia.
The first two days, June 18 and 19, will be devoted to academic presentations at Reed College, featuring research and discussion across disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, the arts, and the humanities. On Sunday, June 20, participants will have the option of joining a morning excursion before the symposium shifts its focus from the academic setting to public engagement at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).
Synesthesia Comes to OMSI
Our Sunday programming at OMSI will invite the wider Portland community to experience the fascinating intersections of sensory perception, science, and artistic expression. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., IASAS plans to offer an evening of free, family-friendly programming featuring interactive activities, creative workshops, and opportunities to explore the many ways people perceive and experience the world. Proposed activities include collaborations with local makers such as New Deal Spirits, Smith Tea ,and Ranger Chocolate, exhibitions of artwork by synesthetes, hands-on artmaking, and live music. Designed to engage visitors of different ages and backgrounds, the afternoon will introduce synesthesia through creative experiences and encounters with artists and researchers. Admission will be free, with advance registration required.
The celebration will continue from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. with a special ticketed evening event at OMSI. Plans include spirits sampling featuring Portland producers New Deal Distillery and Urban Wild Spirits, along with an immersive dance party in the planetarium dome featuring interdisciplinary artist Lucas Masoch (Baumarius) and DJ-scholar Tobias c. van Veen. Blending music, performance, and sensory exploration, the evening will offer a distinctive opportunity for symposium participants and the Portland community to experience synesthesia beyond the traditional academic setting. Tickets for the evening event will be $20.
Call for Papers Coming Soon
Our Call for Papers will launch in early November 2026. Watch the IASAS website for submission guidelines and additional announcements about the 2027 Portland symposium.
