Register to attend The 2025 World Public Art Conference at the United Nations
The World Public Art Conference (2025)
Wed Dec 3 2025
United Nations Conference Hall
United Nations
New York
USA
- Registration Deadline: Tue Nov 25 2025
Click here for full info & registration.
The 2025 conference aims to build an international network for exchange and collaboration, gather global expertise in public art, and share research achievements in the field. Under the UN’s sustainable development framework, the conference explores public art’s role and value in addressing societal issues such as urban development, cultural heritage, ecological protection, poverty reduction, and educational equity. It also analyzes emerging trends in the field of public art internationally, mobilize collective efforts by global stakeholders addressing the future of shared public spaces, and contribute to building more peaceful, inclusive societies, and advancing sustainable development worldwide, thereby fostering an international academic network to support the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the UN sustainable development concept and themed "Connection – Art for the Public", the conference aims to explore pathways and approaches public art can effectively address two core challenges of sustainable development: balancing the needs of humanity; and the environmental health of the planet; and improving socio-cultural development. It seeks to investigate how public art and artists can serve as a bridge to deeply connect humans with nature, individuals with one another, bridge cultural divides, spark dialogues and foster cross-sector collaborations, understanding and inclusivity. Additionally, the conference will share practical experiences and theoretical insights on how public art advances the goals of societies around the world, such as valuing cultural diversity and inclusiveness, fostering social cohesion and advancing the principles of sustainable development.
The 2025 World Public Art Conference, organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Shanghai University, and co-hosted by the International Academy of Arts (IAA), the International Institute of Public Art (IIPA) at Shanghai University, the Shanghai Public Art Cooperation Center (PACC), and the Institute for Public Art (IPA) will be held on December 3, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New
Conference Schedule
Date: December 3, 2025
Venue: United Nations Conference Hall
10:00-11:30
Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Public Art Conference at United Nations
11:30-12:30
Keynote Speech
15:00-18:00
Themed Forum: "Connection – Art for the Public"
18:30-19:30
Celebration of the UN's 80th Anniversary Special Exhibition and Public Art Initiative: Unveiling Ceremony of the Large-scale Public Art Installation "Connection - Intangible Cultural Heritage Illuminating the Future" & Opening Ceremony of the Special Exhibition at UN Headquarters: " Cultural Exchange & Harmonious Coexistence – Contemporary Art by Traditional Oriental Craftsmanship Special Exhibition at the UN Headquarters"
Registration Information
Conference Date: December 3, 2025
Conference Venue: United Nations Headquarters Conference Hall, New York, USA
Conference Languages: Chinese, English
Registration Deadline: November 25, 2025
Registration Fee: USD 150 per person
Fee Includes: Full-day conference attendance + conference materials
Registration Inquiry Email: IIPA@oa.shu.edu.cn
For a PDF containing full information for registering and attendance please click this link.
Appendix: Introduction to Host and Organizing Institutions
1. Host Organizations:
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR-NYO):
Established in 1963 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNITAR is a direct subsidiary of the United Nations committed to enhancing global governance effectiveness and empowering member states to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNITAR website: https://unitar.org
Shanghai University is a comprehensive research-oriented university administrated by Shanghai Municipality and co-established by the Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal Government. It is a key institution under China’s “Project 211,” a high-level local university in Shanghai and a university included in the “Double First-Class Initiative.”
Shanghai University website: https://www.shu.edu.cn
- Organizing Institutions:
- International Academy of Arts (IAA):
Affiliated with UNITAR, the International Academy of Arts (IAA) is a project implementation body committed to fostering global citizenship and cultural diplomacy through arts, culture, and social research.
IAA website: https://www.iaarts.org/
- Institute for Public Art (IPA)
The Institute for Public Art (IPA) is an international research platform and think tank, an NGO that gathers and shares information and research outcomes related to public art. IPA provides a platform for international dialogue and collaboration, a network serving to strengthen and advance public art research worldwide.
IPA website：https://www.instituteforpublicart.org
- Shanghai University International Institute of Public Art (IIPA):
The International Institute of Public Art (IIPA) at Shanghai University is an academic research institution that leverages the university’s multidisciplinary strengths. Guided by the concept of “place remaking,” it promotes the global flourishing of public art, builds an international network for research and exchange in public art theory, and contributes to the development of a global think tank for public art studies.
IIPA website：http://www.sh-iipa.com
- Shanghai Public Art Cooperation Center (PACC)
The Shanghai Public Art Cooperation Center (PACC) is an academic knowledge service platform under the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission. It aims to facilitate the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s outstanding traditional culture, applying academic knowledge to serve society. It functions as a project implementation body advancing social progress and exploring innovative education mechanisms.
PACC website：http://www.ipublicart.com
