CIVA biennial conferences address issues of contemporary relevance to practicing artists, educators, clergy, and students. A sampling of themes from the past 16 years only hints at the discussions fueled by CIVA programs:
. . The Function of Criticism
. . The Narrative in Visual Art
. . Sacredspace/Publicspace
. . Past and Present

A distinguished roster of keynote speakers who have led CIVA through these issues includes Robert Hughes, Hilton Kramer, Betty Edwards, Chaim Potok, and Suzi Gablik. Among the Christian scholars who have addressed CIVA are Nicholas Woltersdorff, Jane Dillenberger, Os Guinness, and Anthony Ugolnik. The dialogue which occurs between conference speakers and conference participants exposes both parties to a wealth of new ideas and perspectives.
Lectures, seminars, workshops and worship combined with films, field trips and exhibitions make for a lively event. Conferees bring slides and artwork for discussion, critique, and exhibition. The quality and range of art, complemented by varied programming, stimulating dialogue, and the sincere expression of Christian faith make the CIVA conference a truly unique and exceptional experience.