In 1950, the Sydney University Musical Society (SUMS) hosted the Melbourne University Choral Society in what was to become known as the first Australian Intervarsity Choral Festival (IVCF).
Between the years 1950 and 1973 the annual IVCFs developed and included choirs from several other states in the event. By 1973, the annual choral festival had participants from twelve choirs and seven states. At this time, the Intervarsity Choral Council (formed in 1968, and consisting of various conductors and elected choristers from participating choirs) formalised the relationship between the choirs by forming AICSA.
AICSA now serves as a communication network between the various choirs, as well as providing archival, library & internet services for its affiliated choirs.