Organizer Information
The International Symposium for Visual Culture & Exhibition (ISVC) 2026 is organized in collaboration between the CICA Museum and the Visual and Performing Arts Department of Montgomery College (Takoma Park/Silver Spring). CICA Museum is a leading institution in South Korea for contemporary and new media art, while Montgomery College provides a vibrant academic hub in Silver Spring, Maryland, adjacent to Washington, DC.
Title & Description
International Symposium for Visual Culture (ISVC) & Exhibition 2026.
This program serves as a global platform for diverse perspectives on visual culture, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the field through international Networking and critical discourse. The event structure includes an academic symposium for paper presentations and performances, a high-traffic popup show in the USA, and a major international Exhibition in Korea. All participating artists and researchers will be featured in the full-color paperback publication, New Media Art 2027, released by CICA Press.
Categories
Visual Arts, New Media Art, Research, Art Management, Technology, Digital, Feminist Studies, Critical Studies, Architecture, Art History, and Cultural Studies.
Eligibility
- Open to International artists, scholars, and researchers from around the world.
- Applicants from all backgrounds and fields of specialization (e.g., Archaeology, Art History, Museum Studies) are welcome.
- Presenters must be able to attend the symposium onsite in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Inclusion in the full-color paperback Publication, New Media Art 2027.
- Opportunity to participate in an international Exhibition at the CICA Museum in South Korea.
- Participation in a popup show and symposium at Montgomery College, USA.
- Three complimentary general admission tickets to ISVC 2026 for guests.
- Professional Networking with a global community of researchers and academics.
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to submit initial proposals.
- Registration Fee: Selected participants must complete registration to confirm participation. Montgomery College faculty/staff receive a 51% discount; students receive free guest passes.
- Exhibition Fees: Participation in the CICA Museum exhibition is optional. While basic installation is included, additional fees apply for works exceeding size limits, specific installation requests, or exclusive equipment needs.
- Shipping: Artists are responsible for all shipping and delivery costs to and from the CICA Museum and the popup show.
Application Requirements
- Short Bio of the applicant.
- Abstract for the presentation (150–300 words).
- Field of Specialization (e.g., Art Studio, Graphic Design, etc.).
- (Optional) Artwork Proposal: Up to 1,200 words, including max. 10 images and 3 video links.
- Materials must be sent via email to submission@cicamuseum.com with the subject line "Submission: Visual Culture 2026 – [Name]".
How to Apply?
Submissions must be sent via email to the CICA Museum submission desk. Visit ISVC Website for Registration Details
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026.
- Presenter Registration: May 15 – 22, 2026.
- Exhibition at CICA Museum: September 9 – 27, 2026.
- Symposium at Montgomery College: September 19 – 20, 2026.
- Publication Release: December 15, 2026.
Location
USA (Silver Spring, MD) and South Korea (Gimpo-si).
Additional Details
Presenters are required to attend in person as applications for online sessions are currently closed. For physical works at CICA, 2D pieces must not exceed 39 inches, and installation works are limited to 1x1x2 meters.