Art Connects Women Conference

The conference in the Art Connects Women programme has the title From Finance to Sustainable Impact: Advancing Women’s Role in the Creative Economy; it aims “to bridge the gap between finance and sustainable impact, empowering women in the creative economy with the resources, opportunities, and strategies to thrive ad create lasting change … Women have long played a pivotal role in this sector, yet their contributions remain undervalued, facing barriers in funding, leadership, and policy support. Structural inequities, financial constraints, and cultural stereotypes continue to limit their full participation”.

Panel 1 Financial Literacy: Understanding the market and sustainable investments

The discussion will explore the intersection of art, finance, and sustainability, “empowering female artists with the knowledge needed to navigate the market confidently”. Moderator: Hafidh Thani, Managing Partner at M&CO Legal. Speakers include Meagan Kelly Horsman, MD at Christie’s Middle East; and Dana Auslander, CEO/founder of LUXUS.

Panel 2 Art and Social Impact

Panellists will share insights into how art serves as a catalyst for cultural awareness, empowerment, and sustainable development, fostering inclusivity and global dialogue at the intersection of art and activism. Moderator: Dr Dena Assaf, independent consultant and researcher in international development and sustainability. Speakers include René de Wit, MD of Elephant Parade; and Wajd Shihab Al Hashmi, Head of Policies and Frameworks at the Majra National CSR Fund.

Panel 3 Accelerate Action

The panel will explore actionable steps to promote gender equality and empower women within the creative economy, withe insights on overcoming gender disparities, advocating for fair representation, and using creative platforms to drive systemic change.