The Future of Arts and Culture

Geographic Level: Country

This forum examines emerging trends and challenges in Canada's arts and culture sector, such as digital innovation and funding, and their impact on community identity and creative opportunities.

Topics

Digital Frontiers: AI, AR, and the Blurring of Boundaries (4 discussions)
Discuss the impact of emerging technologies—AI, AR/VR, virtual museums—on art creation, consumption, and participation.
Diversity, Inclusion, and New Voices (4 discussions)
Share ideas, challenges, and aspirations for making the next era of arts reflect the full spectrum of Canadian experiences.
Future Economic Models for Artists (3 discussions)
Debate and explore crowdfunding, co-ops, direct-to-audience platforms, and new ways for artists to sustain their practice.
Environmental Sustainability in the Arts (4 discussions)
Exchange solutions and stories about green production, climate-conscious creation, and the role of arts in climate action.
Access, Equity, and the Digital Divide (3 discussions)
Tackle questions of who gets to participate, barriers faced, and ways to ensure everyone can shape and enjoy arts and culture.
Free Expression, Censorship, and Authenticity (4 discussions)
Discuss the evolving debates over artistic freedom, authenticity, deepfakes, remix culture, and who owns creative work.
Changing Audiences and Global-Local Connections (3 discussions)
Analyze the effects of shifting audience habits, global reach, and how to keep local traditions vibrant in a connected world.
Arts as Social Infrastructure (3 discussions)
Explore how embedding creativity in health, education, and public space can benefit society beyond entertainment.
Interdisciplinary and Cross-Sector Collaboration (5 discussions)
Share projects and ideas where artists, scientists, technologists, and activists join forces for innovation and social good.
Arts for Well-Being and Community Health (3 discussions)
Discuss research and practices around the mental, physical, and social benefits of creative engagement.
"Dreaming Forward" (4 discussions)
A space for blue-sky thinking—bold visions, speculative projects, worries, and wildcards about what’s next for arts and culture.
Access, Inclusion, and Overcoming Barriers (3 discussions)
Identify strategies for breaking down barriers to participation in the arts—cost, geography, or prejudice.