57th AICA International Congress

Re-imagining the Global South: Art, Gender and Identity

University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa,
October 27-31, 2025

In 1973, Mobutu Sese Seko, the former president of Zaire, hosted the only AICA International Congress ever held on African soil. Nearly 50 years later, the tide has turned. The global movement for the reappropriation of African art is now unstoppable, driven by civil society. In this symbolic and powerful moment, AICA International’s 57th Congress will take place in democratic South Africa, marking 30 years since the fall of apartheid.

Papers will be presented in person, at the University of Johannesburg. The working language of the Congress will be English. We look forward to welcoming you to Johannesburg.

DRAFT PROGRAMME:

MONDAY 27 OCTOBER - EVE OF THE CONGRESS

arriving of speakers, guests and AICA members
8 pm - Welcome Meeting

(Venue at the suggested Hotel: GARDEN COURT MILPARK HOTEL

Cnr. Owl & Empire Roads Auckland Park, 2017 Johannesburg

TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER - CONGRESS DAY 1

(FADA Building, Bunting Road Campus, University of Johannesburg)

8:30 am - 2 pm - Registration
10 am - Welcome Speeches
10:30 am - 11:30 am - Keynote 1 + discussion
11:30 - 1:30 pm - 4 symposium speakers + discussion
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm - GA
5:30 pm - 6 pm coffee break
6 pm - AICA AWARDS (FADA Auditorium)
Award Reception - Dinner

WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER - CONGRESS DAY 2

10 am - 11 am - Keynote 2
11 - 1:30 pm - 5 symposium speakers + discussion
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30 pm - 4 pm - panel 3 - 4 open call lectures + coffee break
4:15 - 6 pm - panel 4 - 4 open call lectures
7 pm - Artist’s Studio Visit / Dinner Reception

THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER - CONGRESS DAY 3

10 am - 1:30 pm - BLOC 5 and 6 - 6 open call lectures
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30 pm - 6 pm - BLOC 7 and 8 - 6 open call lectures
7 pm - Farewell drink / Farewell Party

FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER - POST-CONGRESS DAY TRIP

10 am - 8.30 pm - Post-Congress trip to Galleries in Johannesburg and Pretoria (Wits Art Museum and Centre for the Book Arts, Johannesburg, in the morning/ and perhaps Nirox sculpture park. Then to Javett Art Gallery in Pretoria for special exhibition opening at 6.30)

NB: We suggest all delegates book at the nearest hotel to the University:

GARDEN COURT MILPARK HOTEL

Cnr. Owl & Empire Roads Auckland Park, 2017 Johannesburg

Congress Venue:

FADA Building (Faculty of Art Design and Architecture)

https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/art-design-and-architecture/

University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road Campus, Cottesloe, Johannesburg, 2092.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jMV3KPixvC8bXhaB9

For those planning on going on a safari before or after the congress here is a great contact:

12GoTours - Sam Wingate Travel Agent

What'sApp + 27 82333 2393

https://12gotours.com/