The 45th annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference will explore the theme “Making, Creating, and Encoding: Crafting Possibilities in Appalachia” by focusing on the work of makers, builders, cultivators, and creators who are (re)interpreting existing traditions and forging new creative places, practices, and politics for contemporary contexts. In particular, this conference will highlight the work of individuals and organizations in the region who are engaged in creative action that challenges us to consider new possibilities for the region’s future. We seek papers, presentations, and performances that spark our ability to imagine and enact Appalachian futures that are economically, politically, and socially just. In particular, we seek contributions from historically marginalized individuals and groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) presenters and youth.