We invite artists, scholars, and researchers from around the world to participate in the International Symposium for Visual Culture & Exhibition 2026.
The symposium brings together a global community of artists, researchers, and academics in vibrant downtown Silver Spring, adjacent to Washington, DC, USA. The symposium and popup show will be hosted by Montgomery College, while the international exhibition will take place at the CICA Museum in Korea. These events are organized in collaboration with the CICA Museum and the Visual and Performing Arts Department of Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring.
Participating artists and researchers will be featured in the publication New Media Art 2027, to be released in full-color paperback in December 2026 by CICA Press. Contributions may include English texts (e.g., interviews, essays, poetry), drawings, and images introducing the artist’s work.
[Symposium] International Symposium for Visual Culture (ISVC) 2026
The symposium will be held at the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, Montgomery College, Silver Spring, on September 19–20, 2026.
Each accepted presenter will have the opportunity to discuss their work with peers. All presenters must register upon acceptance and deliver a presentation or performance during their assigned session.
We welcome proposals for paper presentations, workshops, experimental sessions, and artistic performances.
Each presenter (or presenting team) will receive three complimentary general admission tickets to ISVC 2026 to invite guests. Additional tickets will be available for purchase on the ISVC website.
The symposium will be held onsite, and presenters are required to attend in person and present onsite. Online presentations are permitted only for presenters who have previously applied for online sessions; applications for online sessions are now closed.
[Exhibition] “Visual Culture 2026” at the CICA Museum
The international exhibition “Visual Culture 2026” will be held at the CICA Museum from September 9 to 27, 2026. Each artist may exhibit up to two works. Participation is optional.
[Exhibition] Visual Culture 2026 Popup Show at Maze Gallery
Presenters may bring one work for the popup show at Montgomery College, open during the symposium (September 19–20, 2026). Participation is optional.
Artists are responsible for delivering, installing, and removing their artworks. Size and weight limitations are the same as above.
The college may provide monitors for video works; however, availability may be limited. We will coordinate with artists regarding space and equipment after final selection.
May 18, 2026 — Submission Deadline
*How to submit: Please visit our website for more information.
https://cicamuseum.com/open-call-isvc-2026/
