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
10-1:30 pm congress sessions
1.30- 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 (Hotel School)
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 - speakers + coffee break
4:15 - 6 pm - speakers
7 pm - to be announced
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER - CONGRESS DAY 3
10 am - 1:30 pm - speakers
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30 pm - 6 pm - speakers
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:
Cnr. Owl & Empire Roads Auckland Park, 2017 Johannesburg