The 13th edition of CONFIA – International Conference on Illustration and Animation will take place on 25 and 26 June 2026, in Coimbra, further strengthening its position as one of the leading international conferences dedicated to illustration, animation, and visual culture.
The event is organised by the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), in partnership with ID+, Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, and, for the 2026 edition, is co-organised by the University of Coimbra.
The conference will be held at Casa das Caldeiras, a landmark cultural venue located in the city’s historic university area. Formerly the thermal power station of the University of Coimbra Hospitals, the building now plays a central role in promoting cultural, artistic, and academic initiatives, standing out for its strong architectural and heritage identity.
The 2026 edition will feature internationally renowned keynote speakers from both academic and artistic fields, including Andrew Hall, a theatre designer based in the United Kingdom and lecturer at Central Saint Martins. Author of key publications on drawing, illustration, and the transition from analogue to digital practices, he is currently conducting research on the impact of artificial intelligence on illustration and the construction of new historical narratives.
Another keynote speaker will be Wiola Sowa, an animation filmmaker trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków and the Łódź Film School. Recipient of several cultural grants and awards, she also served as president of the Polish section of ASIFA. Her work has been exhibited and internationally recognised at prestigious institutions and festivals, including the Centre Pompidou, the Barbican Centre, the National Gallery of Art, and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
More information is available on the CONFIA website (https://confia.ipca.pt/). The full programme will be announced soon.