Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2021 called for increased international collaboration, sustainable investment in the culture sector and a new value proposition for culture on the public agenda.

Under the theme of The Cultural Economy and the Economy of Culture, the Summit explored the topics of community and responsibility, diversity and pluralism in cultural expression, digitalization of cultural content and equitable access, an increased focus on engaging local communities, and transversal cross government policy approaches. Participants discussed post-COVID sector recovery and transformation, envisioning a new system that is more resilient and adaptable to ongoing crises. It also shone a light on the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021, with the aim to showcase how the creative economy can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals in education, economy, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequality, and sustainable cities and communities.

The Summit’s programme saw participants present panel discussions, case studies, keynotes, artist talks, and performances, developed in collaboration with international partners, including UNESCO, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, The Economist Events, Google, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Design Museum, London.

Other 2021 participations included Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Image Nation, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Institut Français, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Arab Fund for Arts & Culture, and the World Bank.

All sessions from Culture Summit are available online via Youtube channel