Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

The seventh edition of the Summit, which runs 27-29 April, again brings together “thought leaders” from art, heritage, media, museums, music, public policy and technology to debate the role of culture. This year’s theme is the catch-all ‘Culture for Humanity and Beyond’ and the forum will explore “the ever-dynamic relationship between culture and humanity in an unrivalled period of transformation … The Summit will prompt a collective rethinking of human emancipation, humanism, and seek to find a new common ground to build a shared sustainable future”.

This it will do across three days of panels, creative conversations, case studies, artist talks and workshops, all reimagining what tomorrow could look like “as old ways of thinking become obsolete”.

Day one will be focused on the sub-theme, ‘reshaping the cultural landscape’ As power shifts continue in a world marked by the digital revolution, economic inequality, and geopolitical volatility, cultural identities and societal values are being redefined. The sessions will explore the impact of these shifts on the production, reception, and consumption of culture, and discuss the role the creative sector can play in guiding humanity through uncertainty towards a confident future.

Day two’s sub-theme is ‘the new frontiers of a post-human environment”’. As advancements in technology, including AI, biotechnology, and environmental studies redefine the essence of humanity, the sessions on this day will examine how culture can ensure these changes enhance human experience. The programme will explore how the cultural and creative sectors are adapting their business models, infrastructures, and policies to seize the opportunities these new frontiers present.

Day three will examine ‘new frames to redefine Culture for Humanity and Beyond’, discussing how innovative, collaborative efforts and the rise of ‘glocal’ approaches can foster resilience, inclusion, and sustainability. The sessions will also examine how cultural innovation, and technology can help reshape narratives and create new common ground to overcome global polarisation.

The full programme is here. Attendance is (mostly) by invitation, but you can ‘register your interest’ here and you might get the call …