Flex Conference (Physical / Digital)

International Conference on Art History and Social Change Studies - (ICAHSCS-26)

17th - 18th September 2026 , Durban - South Africa

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Academic Program

Conference Session Tracks

SDG Wheel

Aligned with

UN Sustainable Development Goals

This conference contributes to global sustainability by aligning its research discussions and academic sessions with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It fosters knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaborative engagement.

SDG 1 SDG 1 — No Poverty
SDG 4 SDG 4 — Quality Education
SDG 5 SDG 5 — Gender Equality
SDG 8 SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10 SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 16 SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17 SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Session Tracks
Track 01
Artistic Movements and Social Change

This track explores the interplay between various artistic movements and their roles in facilitating social change. It aims to analyze how art has historically responded to and influenced political and social contexts.

Track 02
Identity and Representation in Visual Culture

Focusing on the representation of identity in visual culture, this track examines how art reflects and shapes societal perceptions of race, gender, and class. Papers will investigate the implications of these representations on social dynamics and cultural identity.

Track 03
Memory and Cultural Transformation

This session invites discussions on the role of memory in shaping cultural narratives and transformations through art. Participants will analyze how artistic expressions serve as vessels for collective memory and historical consciousness.

Track 04
Globalization and Artistic Expression

This track addresses the impact of globalization on artistic practices and cultural exchanges. It seeks to understand how global interconnectedness influences local art forms and the representation of cultural identities.

Track 05
Aesthetics and Political Contexts

Exploring the relationship between aesthetics and political contexts, this session examines how art engages with political ideologies and movements. Papers will discuss the aesthetic choices artists make in response to sociopolitical environments.

Track 06
Symbolism in Art and Society

This track delves into the use of symbolism in art as a means of conveying complex social and political messages. Participants will analyze how symbols function within various cultural contexts to reflect societal values and beliefs.

Track 07
Art as a Catalyst for Social Movements

This session focuses on the role of art in mobilizing social movements and advocating for change. It will explore case studies where artistic expression has been pivotal in raising awareness and fostering activism.

Track 08
Visual Culture and Memory Politics

Investigating the intersection of visual culture and memory politics, this track examines how art engages with historical narratives and collective memory. Papers will explore the implications of visual representation in shaping public memory.

Track 09
Cultural Transformation through Artistic Innovation

This session invites exploration of how artistic innovation drives cultural transformation in contemporary society. Participants will discuss the role of new media and technology in redefining artistic practices and cultural expressions.

Track 10
Art and the Politics of Identity

Focusing on the politics of identity, this track examines how artists navigate and challenge identity constructs through their work. Discussions will center on the implications of these artistic explorations for broader societal understandings of identity.

Track 11
Artistic Responses to Social Inequality

This session addresses how artists respond to and critique social inequalities through their work. Participants will analyze the effectiveness of these artistic responses in raising awareness and prompting social discourse.