Forbes | A Cultural Awakening At The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2025 In Davos

Nel-Olivia Waga
January 15, 2025
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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.

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Curated 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.”

I 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.

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 can combine to tell powerful stories,” says Fowler.

Fowler, who has previously led major artistic initiatives, including serving as the Artistic Director of Dubai Opera, Director of Opera, Arts and Culture at Dubai Expo 2020, and Resident Director at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, brings a deep understanding of how the arts can create an emotional connection to complex issues. “This concert will not only move people but also ignite a sense of urgency about our shared responsibility to protect the planet,” he adds.

SPECTRAL: Exploring Human-Machine Collaboration

Sougwen Chung’s SPECTRAL presents a thought-provoking exploration of creativity at the crossroads of art and technology. This kinetic installation uses robotic systems and the artist’s brainwaves to generate fluid, abstract visuals. A collaboration between human and machine, it challenges traditional concepts of authorship and creativity. Sougwen will be premiering Oscillation 2 from SPECTRAL at Davos, developed specifically for the World Economic Forum.

“Chung’s work invites us to rethink what it means to be creative in the age of AI,” says Fowler, who has long championed the integration of innovation into artistic programming. During his tenure as Director of Opera, Arts & Culture at Expo 2020, Fowler successfully curated projects that merged technology and storytelling, a focus reflected in this year’s program at Davos.

The Golden Voyager: Sustainability in Fashion

Swiss designer Kévin Germanier brings a powerful message of sustainability with The Golden Voyager, an upcycled tribute to NASA’s Golden Record. Presented in collaboration with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the exhibit celebrates circular fashion and challenges audiences to rethink the life cycle of materials.

Germanier’s work is part of a broader theme of sustainability that runs through this year’s program. Fowler remarks, “The Golden Voyager is a beautiful reminder that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. It embodies the type of bold thinking we want to inspire in every sector.”

In addition, for the opening concert, Ane Brun and Danielle De Niese will wear bespoke upcycled costumes by the innovative Kévin Germanier. For Fowler, Germanier is “redefining an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, proving that style and sustainability can thrive together through his bold use of upcycled materials.”

HOPE: Cristina Mittermeier’s Photographic Journey

Photographer, marine biologist, and conservationist Cristina Mittermeier presents HOPE, an evocative collection of images capturing humanity’s deep connection to nature. Spanning over 120 countries, her work explores resilience and regeneration while advocating for biodiversity and environmental justice.

“Cristina’s photography resonates on a deeply human level,” says Fowler. “It shows the beauty of our planet but also its vulnerability—and it challenges us to act.” Fowler’s experience collaborating with UNESCO and other global organizations on cultural projects gives him a unique perspective on how the arts can amplify critical advocacy messages.

Work in Progress: A Tribute to Women

Artists Jann Haworth and Liberty Blake will present Work in Progress, a powerful series of largescale murals that are a tribute to over 100 groundbreaking women, both historical and contemporary, who have driven gender equity. The mural includes newly commissioned panels for AM25, celebrating female achievements across science, arts, and business.

This exhibit also ties into the forum’s ongoing work on gender equity, highlighting the need to accelerate progress as highlighted in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. “Highlighting these stories is about more than celebration—it’s about inspiring change,” Fowler explains.

A Life Interrupted: The Art of Gary Tyler

Fiber artist Gary Tyler’s journey is a bold testament to resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Wrongfully convicted at 16, he endured 42 years in prison, where creativity became his lifeline. Tyler will present a selection of his art that amplifies the struggles of marginalized communities, confronting racial injustice and inequality with powerful imagery.

“Exhibiting his work is not just a recognition of his art, but also an acknowledgment of the larger message his work conveys,” Fowler shares. “Gary’s artistic practice stands as proof that art can heal wounds, spark social change, and reframe narratives about justice and human rights.”

At its core, the Arts & Culture program reflects the World Economic Forum’s belief in creativity as a force for change. Under Joseph Fowler’s leadership, the program continues to evolve as a platform for inspiration, connection, and action. “whilst I have the privilege to lead the arts and culture team, I am a firm believer that no man is an island, and the arts and culture programme would not be possible without the incredible work of my collaborators, Natalie Hendro and Pascale Ferorelli”

“Our goal is to make these global challenges feel personal,” Fowler explains. “Through art, we can bridge divides and spark the kind of empathy and understanding that lead to real solutions.

With performances that inspire, exhibitions that provoke, and installations that innovate, the World Economic Forum’s Arts & Culture program 2025 is set to leave an indelible mark on attendees. It reminds us all that the world’s most urgent issues demand not just bold ideas but also creative and collective action.

 

HER/etiquette

Founded in 2014, re-launched in 2019, by Nel-Olivia Waga. HER/etiquette is an international luxury lifestyle blog, that features curated stories coming from a conscious mindset. It collaborates with leading brands and specialists who share the idea of generating a positive impact in the world. Based in Zurich, we cover local hotspots and global trends around sustainability, innovation, well-being, health, beauty, travel, time, art, business and philantropy.

Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, an Author and Entrepreneur, most passionate about well-being, travel, nature and art. Her work can regularly be seen in her column on FORBES. Her consultancy YMPACT LAB, creates innovative projects for luxury brands based on passion, purpose and sustainable impact.

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This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

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CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

PLANT TREES WITH US

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