57th Annual Conference of the
International Visual Literacy Association
October 31- November 2, 2025 (in person)
Online TBD
Hosted by The Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
About the Conference
“The Power of Images in Sacred and Festive Practices.”
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 theme 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.
This conference will feature three days of morning sessions from October 31 through November 2, with optional excursions and/or free time for exploring the city during the afternoons.
About the Venue
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 Conference Schedule
March 1 – Call for Proposals
March 30 – 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
This conference will call for papers that propose finding ways to understand images’ significance as conduits for transmitting cultural values, belief systems, and collective memories.
The formal call for proposals will be announced March 1, 2025.
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