Seoul, Republic of Korea
On 27 May arts and cultural leaders from across the globe will gather in Seoul for the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture, hosted by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) and Arts Council Korea, bringing together 400 delegates from over 80 countries, marking the first time the Summit is being held in East Asia.
Byoung Gug Choung, Chair Person, Arts Council Korea, said: “As we are marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Arts Council Korea, it is all the more meaningful to announce the hosting of the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture in Seoul, which will lead us to explore the direction of the next 50 years. ARKO and IFACCA together will do our utmost to expand the horizons of culture and arts through joint knowledge production with countries around the world and to show practical results.”
Magdalena Moreno Mujica, Executive Director, IFACCA, added: “Arts Council Korea has a longstanding relationship with IFACCA having joined the Federation as a National Member in 2006. We have admired their in-depth commitment to arts and culture through a range of policies, programmes and strategies from supporting and strengthening the working conditions of cultural and creative sectors, to embracing innovation and technology and to the future of work while advancing cultural rights and diversity of its cultural expressions. On behalf of IFACCA, we are thrilled with this new partnership that will see the international community come together to debate critical issues as we seek more sustainable futures. The 10th World Summit will also be a key milestone in the journey to Mondiacult 2025.”
While registration for the event has closed, international audiences can still take part—plenary sessions will be livestreamed, providing an opportunity for global participation in discussions shaping the future of arts and culture. The full programme has been released, offering a glimpse into the diverse range of speakers and contributors spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
The Summit aims to foster meaningful exchange, collective leadership, and strengthen arts and culture agencies worldwide. Discussions will tackle critical issues, including the evolving role of technology and AI, the changing nature of artistic engagement, and the importance of preserving diverse narratives and worldviews.
Ahead of the Summit, organisers have published the 10th World Summit Discussion Paper, exploring key challenges facing the cultural sector and offering insights into the future of arts and creativity. The paper features nine essays addressing issues ranging from technological advancements to participation in the arts, setting the stage for thought-provoking dialogues during the event. Conversations have already begun online, with delegates encouraged to engage using #ArtsummitKorea.
The Summit officially opens with a Gala event, followed by days packed with conference sessions and networking opportunities. Evening cultural programmes will showcase the rich heritage and contemporary arts of the Republic of Korea. Unable to attend in person? Plenary sessions will be available via livestream, details can be found at artsummit.org, with further updates shared on the event’s X and Facebook channels.
Download the paper here
