57th Annual Conference of the International Visual Literacy Association
“The Power of Images in Sacred and Festive Spaces”
October 31- November 2, 2025 (in person)
Hosted by The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
About the Conference
The theme “The Power of Images in Sacred and Festive Spaces” underscores the enduring power of images to evoke transcendental experiences, foster communal bonds, and mediate the interface between the material and the spiritual realms in diverse cultural landscapes. Within the rich array of rituals, images hold a prominent place, acting as potent symbols that communicate complex meanings and evoke profound emotional responses.
The intended focus will be research that is contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping human experience, cultural identity, and religious and celebratory expressions.
The 2025 IVLA conference will include a collaborative forum featuring online keynotes in advance of the in-person conference from October 31st – November 2nd, in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The on-site conference is a 3-day event, with optional afternoon excursions and/or free time to explore the city and engage in the Día de Muertos festivities.
About the Venue
Aguascalientes
The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes (UAA) is a Mexican public university based in the city of Aguascalientes, and has several campuses that are located across the state. The university was founded on June 19, 1973. The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes currently offers 64 different bachelor’s degrees, 15 master’s degrees and 9 doctoral degrees.
There are 11 academic centers in the University System, among which, there is the Center for Design Sciences. This Center, has seven undergraduate programs: Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Architecture, Urban Planning and Civil Engineering. In these programs are enrolled more than 1900 undergraduate alumni today.
Aguascalientes is one of the 32 states of the Mexican Republic. Its capital is the city of the same name. Known for the Spanish colonial buildings in its downtown where the Cathedral houses 18th century paintings by Miguel Cabrera. The 17th century Government Palace is known for its numerous carved interior arches.
The name Aguascalientes is due to the abundance of hot springs in the area. With 1,425,000 inhabitants, it is bordered to the north, east and west by the State of Zacatecas; to the south and east by the State of Jalisco, home to the famous city of Guadalajara.
On October 22, 1575 the Villa of Our Lady of the Assumption of the Hot Waters was founded, as a result of the need to protect and give asylum to those who traveled the so-called Royal Silver Route, which included the road between Zacatecas and Mexico City.
Tentative Daily Conference Schedule
- Bus pickup at central hotel (details forthcoming) and transfer to conference: 7:45am
- Coffee and Tea Service, Registration: 8:00am
- Conference Sessions, 8:30am-12:15pm
- Lunch (provided), 12:30-1:30pm
- Keynote (Days 1 and 3)/Business Meeting (Day 2), 1:45-2:45pm
- Optional Excursions, 3:00pm
March 1 – Call for Papers
March 31 – Deadline for Proposals
May 15 – Notifications of acceptance, Scholarship Applications & Award Nominations Open
June 1 – Scholarship Applications & Award Nominations due, Registration Opens
June 15 – Scholarship & Award Notifications
July 1 – Early Bird/Presenter Registration due
IVLA invites proposals for its 2025 conference that propose finding ways to understand images’ significance as conduits for transmitting cultural values, belief systems, and collective memories.
Proposals are due March 31, 2025 with notifications going out mid-May.
Conference attendees have a range of traditional and boutique hotels to choose from in Aguascalientes, with the following recommended:
Downtown Area: (bus transportation will be provided from one of the hotels)
- Fiesta Americana
Conference rate: 1716 MXN ($85 USD) single or double, 1835 MXN ($90 USD) triple, 1954MXN ($96 USD) quadruple occupancy.
- Hotel Francia
Conference rate: 1150 MXN ($56 USD) single or double, must call and mention your stay is in connection to the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes.
- Quality Inn
- No conference rate available but close to Downtown area. 1408 MXN ($69 USD).
Near UAA:
Aguascalientes Airport Information
The Lic. Jesús Terán Peredo International Airport (AGU) is nine miles from the city center. Simply known as ‘Aguascalientes International Airport’, it transports over 1.5 million passengers year-round. The airport offers several amenities, such as ATMs, informational booths for tourists, currency exchange, and a restaurant in the upper level of the airport.
Getting Around the City
The conference will provide daily transportation to and from one of the hotels in the historic area (Hotel Francia or Fiesta Americana) to the conference venue. For those who wish to explore on their own, professional taxis or Uber are affordable and safe.
More information:
Viva Aguascalientes (tourism site)
Registration will open in summer 2025. Tentative fees are below, with scholarships available.
Early bird Member | $300 |
Early bird Non-Member | $375 |
Regular Registration, Member | $400 |
Regular Registration, Non-Member | $475 |
One-day pass | $100 |
Student early bird | $150 |
Student IVLA member (Local students will be discounted) | $150 |
Retired or part-time workers Student non member | $200 |
Conference Planning Chairs
Ricardo López – Léon, PhD – Conference Co-Chair
Líder del C.A. Estudios Integrales de Diseño
Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes
Centro de Ciencias del Diseño y de la Construcción
Katie Greer – Conference Co-Chair
IVLA Vice-President
Professor and Fine/Performing Arts Librarian
Kresge Library
Oakland University