The 23rd International Congress of Aesthetics (ICA 2026), titled Aesthetics Today, will take place in Prešov, Slovakia, from July 20–24, 2026. This major international event will bring together scholars, artists, and practitioners to discuss how aesthetic theories and practices respond to the challenges of our rapidly changing world. The congress will serve as a platform for dialogue across disciplines, engaging with both long-standing questions and emerging paradigms in aesthetics.
The program will address a wide range of themes, including aesthetics in relation to digital technologies, ecological issues, cultural transformation, politics, and everyday life. Participants will explore how beauty, ugliness, and aesthetic values are being redefined in the context of AI, immersive media, decolonial theory, and contemporary artistic practices. The congress encourages critical perspectives that highlight diverse voices and interdisciplinary approaches.
All interested participants are warmly invited to submit their proposals. More details about topics and submission guidelines can be found in the official Call for Papers. Should you have any additional questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Committees
Below you can find the names of the members of the Organizing Committee and the Scientific Committee of the conference.
Organising Committee
Adrián Kvokačka (University of Prešov)
Eva Kušnírová (University of Prešov)
Jana Migašová (University of Prešov)
Lukáš Makky (University of Prešov)
Terézia Polaková (University of Prešov)
Natália Prostredná (University of Prešov)
Zuzana Slušná (University of Prešov)
Scientific Committee
Arnold Berleant (Professor Emeritus at Long Island University)
Enea Bianchi (University of São Paulo)
Francisca Pérez Carreño (University of Murcia)
Filippo Contesi (Università degli Studi di Cagliari)
Elisabetta Di Stefano (University of Palermo)
Rodrigo Duarte (Federal University of Minas Gerais)
Lisa Giombini (University Roma Tre)
Rosa Fernández Gómez (Universidad de Málaga)
Tereza Hadravová (Charles University)
Slávka Kopčáková (University of Prešov)
Vítor Moura (University of Braga)
Kalle Puolakka (University of Helsinki)
Monique Roelofs (University of Amsterdam)
Max Ryynänen (Aalto University)
Mateusz Salwa (University of Warsaw)
Keynote Speakers
We are pleased to present the distinguished scholars who will serve as the Keynote Speakers of the conference.
Yuriko Saito
María José Alcaraz León
Wolfgang Welsch
General Information
The conference will first collect and review submitted abstracts.
Following the evaluation process, registration will be opened for accepted speakers.
The full conference program will be published subsequently.
All other general practical information, such as details about accommodation, travel, and registration, will be published well in advance of the conference.
Communication
For any questions regarding the conference, please feel free to contact us!
Coordinator for Communication:
doc. Mgr. Adrián Kvokačka, PhD.