On the 20th of January the world will once again turn its eyes to Davos, Switzerland, as global leaders, visionaries, and change makers gather for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2025. While the spotlight often falls on high-level policy discussions, the Arts & Culture program has become a defining feature of the 5-day conference offering a unique platform to address global challenges through creativity and collaboration.Mexican artist Christina Mittermeier’s stunning imaginary of nature inspires action. Christina MittermeierCurated under the leadership of Joseph Fowler, Head of Arts & Culture at the World Economic Forum, this year’s program offers an ambitious lineup of performances, exhibitions, and installations designed to inspire, provoke, and unify. Fowler brings over 20 years of experience as an Artistic Director, Cultural Programmer, and Producer to his role, having worked across the globe to shape transformative artistic initiatives. “The Arts & Culture program is about connecting hearts and minds,” Fowler explains. “Through creativity, we can foster empathy, spark critical dialogue, and envision solutions to the pressing challenges of our time.”
Joseph Fowler, Head of Arts & Culture at World Economic Forum World Economic ForumI met with Fowler and his team at the World Economic Forum’s Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and got a first glimpse into what attendees can expect at this year’s Annual Meeting’s Arts & Culture program:
A Poignant Opening Concert
The Conference’s Arts & Culture program will begin with a breathtaking concert that emphasizes the fragility of Antarctica, home to 91% of the world’s glaciers. In line with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, the performance urges immediate environmental action. This concert completes a trilogy of eco-themed performances by the World Economic Forum: in 2023, the focus was on protecting coral reefs in the Northern Red Sea; in 2024, the connection between the Sahara and the Amazon was explored; and this year, attention turns to the critical issue of melting polar ice caps.
The concert will feature a stunning blend of classical and contemporary music, performed by Ane Brun, the acclaimed Scandinavian singer-songwriter; Jeremy Dutcher, a Canadian Indigenous tenor known for his activism; Danielle de Niese, an award-winning soprano celebrated for her stage presence; and The Morphing Chamber Orchestra, a Vienna-based ensemble renowned for their genre-spanning versatility.
Refik Anadol Studio 2024, Studies from Large Nature Model will be part of the WEF Opening Concert … [+] 2025 in DavosRefik Anadol Studio The performance will also include AI-driven immersive visuals by visionary media artist Refik Anadol, whose data-driven installations will bring Antarctica’s icy landscapes to life in vivid, detail. “Refik’s work is a perfect example of how technology and art c