The 2026 International Conference on the Design Nexus: Visual Arts, Industry, and the Future of Creative Expression (VAD26)
Locations
- U.S.A. (Offline): New York University
- Online: Link to be provided by the organizer
Date & Details
- Date: July 30, 2026
- Mode: Hybrid (On-site | Online)
Introduction
The 2026 International Conference on the Design Nexus (VAD26) marks a pivotal moment of reflection and redirection for the global creative community. As we navigate a landscape increasingly defined by automated generation and digital saturation, the fundamental nature of the "human signature" has become our most valuable asset. VAD26 serves as a premier international forum for artists, designers, and industry leaders to explore the vital intersection of Visual Arts, Industrial Design, and the Creative Economy.
[Image of the Design Nexus conceptual model illustrating the intersection of Visual Arts, Industrial Design, and Creative Economy]Our mission is to investigate the "Design Nexus"—the point where aesthetic intuition meets industrial scalability and ethical responsibility. In 2026, the creative industries are transitioning from a focus on "output" to a focus on "intent." We are moving beyond the screen to explore tactile materials, immersive environments, and sustainable business models that protect cultural sovereignty.
VAD26 is where we define the future of creative expression in an era that demands radical authenticity and interdisciplinary collaboration. Join us as we bridge the gap between traditional craft and future-forward technology. Whether you are a fine artist exploring bio-integrated media, a designer architecting the next generation of user experiences, or a strategist managing the growth of creative capital, VAD26 provides the rigorous and inspiring platform necessary to shape the visual culture of tomorrow.
Conference Agenda
| Time (EST) | Session Title | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Opening Remarks & Welcome Address | |
| 09:00 – 10:15 | Keynote I: Navigating the ethics, copyright, and soul of AI-generated art | Wei He (Xi'an Jiaotong University) |
| 10:15 – 11:00 | Coffee Break | — |
| 11:00 – 12:15 | Keynote II: The rise of experiential design and the return to tactile environments | Brian McGrath (Parsons School of Design) |
| 12:15 – 14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Q&A | |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Closing Remarks |
Keynote Speakers
Brian McGrath
Urban Design
Professor
Parsons School of Design
Wei He
Arts
Doctor
Xi'an Jiaotong University
Editorial Team
Editor-in-chief
Murtaza Hussain (Xi'an Jiaotong University)
Associate Editor
Zulqarnain Mushtaq (MIT-Global Scale)
Editorial Board Members
Muhammad Idrees (Govt. College University Faisalabad), Wei He (Xi'an Jiaotong University)
All submissions will be screened and peer-reviewed by the reviewers with MDs, PHDs, Doctors of Engineering and associate professors from the universities and research institutes worldwide.
The review process will be double-blind peer-review.
