Twice a year international arts leaders convene in one location to exchange and develop ideas, strengthen and nurture relationships, and rejuvenate their passion for the arts. ISPA Congresses link individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, disciplines, sectors and aesthetics with the common goal of celebrating their interconnectedness and advancing the performing arts on a global scale.

Upcoming Congresses

Mark your calendar now for the upcoming ISPA Congresses:

More About Congresses

Traditionally, one Congress is held in January in New York City and one is held in June which circles the globe and is hosted by an ISPA member(s). ISPA has held over 60 Congresses in New York City and 25 Congresses around the globe which has spanned 6 continents, 18 countries, and 23 cities. Recent past Congress themes and host cities include:

• Art in Action! Community, Crisis & Change in New York City, January 2012 (64th Annual Congress)
• Groundbreaking in Toronto, Canada, June 2011 (25th Anniversary of the June Congress)
• The Art of Collaboration in New York City, January 2011 (63rd Annual Congress)
• Globalisation and Identity in Zagreb, Croatia, June 2010 (24th June Congress)
• FAST FORWARD: Imagining the Future in New York City, January 2010 (62nd Annual Congress)
• Immersion in Diversity in São Paulo, Brazil, June 2009 (23rd June Congress)

If you are a current ISPA member and are interested in learning more about hosting a June Congress, please contact David Baile, Chief Executive Officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Learn More
• Discover ISPA's Past Congresses
• View keynotes, session panels, and more to discover the intellectual exchanges that took place