Valletta 2018 will be present at the 7th World Summit on Arts and Culture which will be held in Valletta from Tuesday 18th October to Friday 21st October, 2016. The Summit is organised by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) and Arts Council Malta.

The focus of the 2016 World Summit on Arts and Culture will be on Cultural Leadership in the 21st Century. Presently the arts and culture are facing a number of challenges and opportunities as new technologies affect the production and distribution of goods and services. Meanwhile new patterns of migration emerge and national contexts constantly shift with austerity measures and requests for reform. At the same time, artists and culture operators aspire to extend their impact to other sectors, while striving to ensure freedom of expression and cultural diversity.

Hence new models of cultural leadership are more important than ever as we work to affirm the arts and culture as pillars of social development. At a time when the notion of participatory governance is prevalent, no decision can be made without the involvement of multiple stakeholders – the tradition of top-down leadership is no longer the only model. Artists, networks, advocacy groups and professional organisations play an increasingly important role in engaging people, debating the issues and proposing solutions to the challenges of our times.

The 2016 Summit will explore changing perceptions of leadership and address a number of questions: who are the key players? How are the decisions being made? Who provides leadership for development opportunities? What does the concept of leadership represent for different cultures and how do we address the needs and expectations of future generations? How do we articulate priorities and who is responsible for innovative solutions and changes?  How do governments and civil society share responsibilities and collaborate?

Those interested in participating should register their interest on the Summit’s official registration page.