South Korea: World Summit on Arts and Culture unveils 2025 programme

Set to take place in Seoul, South Korea, from 27 to 30 May, the event will bring together cultural leaders, policymakers, and artists from around the world to explore the theme Charting the Future of Arts and Culture.

The opening plenary on 28 May, titled The Future of Culture in Times of Exponential Shifts, will examine recent progress in the arts sector, systemic challenges, and how global issues manifest at local and regional levels. Another key session, World Café: (Re)Imagining Our Futures, will provide a platform for delegates to engage in participatory discussions on shaping the future of the creative industries. Additionally, a panel discussion titled Elastic Futurity in Korean Arts and Culture: A Critical Examination, will highlight South Korea’s cultural evolution and its influence on the global stage.

On 29 May, discussions will focus on technology, governance, and sustainability. Plenary sessions include The Ethics and Governance of AI in Future-Proofing the Cultural and Creative Sectors and The Rights and Responsibilities of Culture for a Sustainable Future, addressing issues such as cultural rights, intellectual property, and indigenous knowledge. Other discussions will examine culture’s role in climate action and the prospects for a UN cultural goal in the post-2030 agenda. A long table discussion, Culture in Times of Conflict: Towards Empathy and Solidarity, will explore ways to bridge divisions through artistic expression.

The final plenary on 30 May, Future Horizons: Roadmap for a Just and Sustainable Future for Arts and Culture, will synthesise key discussions from the Summit and outline actionable steps for fostering an inclusive and sustainable global cultural landscape.

A diverse line-up of speakers has also been confirmed, including Maanka A. Chipindi (Zambia), Julie Trébault (France/USA), Sophia Alexandersson (Sweden), Octavio Kulesz (Italy/Argentina), Phina So (Cambodia), and audio-visual industry expert Yoonhyung Jeon (Republic of Korea).

Registration for the summit is now open, with places limited. Early registration is recommended, and delegates can access special accommodation rates at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences until 24 February. Registrations close on 18 May.