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Popayán was the house of reflection on crisis, creativity, and transformation: t...

Popayán was the house of reflection on crisis, creativity, and transformation: this is how the XVIII Colombian Congress of Anthropology was experienced

10 March, 2026

From June 3 to 6, 2025, the University of Cauca became the epicenter of a unique gathering that brought together researchers, students, activists, and communities around an anthropology that not only analyzes the world but seeks to transform it.

Under the motto “Crisis and Creativity: Anthropologies for Worlds in Transition,” Popayán became, for almost a week, the stage for intense reflections on the major social, cultural, and environmental challenges that confront us today. The congress explored how crisis, from the pandemic to environmental collapse, is a structural reality, but also how creativity emerges as a vital force to imagine and build alternative futures. Without a doubt, this approach facilitated the shift from theoretical reflection to a situated, critical anthropology capable of influencing social transformation processes.

This event, organized by the Department of Anthropology and the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences at the University of Cauca, with the support of the Center for Continuing, Open, and Virtual Education (CECAV) and strategic partners such as the Cultural Center of the Bank of the Republic, succeeded in bringing together prominent figures from the anthropological and artistic fields, including:

Myriam Jimeno: Colombian anthropologist, expert in social conflict and emotions.
Andrés Góngora: Chief curator of the National Museum of Colombia, specialist in heritage and memory.
Adela Goldbard: Mexican artist recognized for her community-based performances as acts of aesthetic resistance.

And as if this star-studded lineup were not enough, the Congress also emphasized pedagogy and social outreach through activities such as the workshop “Archaeology for Girls and Boys,” developed by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) in the Children’s Room of the Bank of the Republic, as well as an anthropology book exhibition organized by its publications division. In addition, the traveling exhibition “People of Putumayo Narrate… Journeys, Exchanges, and Reclamations” was presented, a co-creation experience that brings together voices, photographs, and objects across seven narrative devices, open until September at the University.

In line with the social commitment we uphold as an academic institution, the traveling exhibition of the Unit for the Search of Persons Declared Missing (UBPD) was also presented at the Pantheon of the Patriots, strengthening the links between historical memory and academia.

In summary, it was four intense days during which symposia, working groups, workshops, panel discussions, and audiovisual exhibitions took place, promoting transdisciplinary dialogue between academia, communities, and social movements.

This congress reaffirmed that anthropology is much more than theory: it is a living tool to interpret and transform realities. From Popayán, a clear invitation was issued: to act from transition in order to build a more just and creative world.

Would you like to learn more? Visit the official event website for further information and to explore the event proceedings in detail.