Chloé Laluc, Communications Officer, World Economic Forum, Tel.: +41 (0)79 589 7002; Email: clal@weforum.org
· World Economic Forum invites more than 40 cultural leaders to the Annual Meeting 2017 to contribute to dialogue on topics ranging from populism to climate change and technology to cultural heritage
· Anne-Sophie Mutter, Shakira and Forest Whitaker named 2017 Crystal Award recipients in recognition of their long-standing commitment as artists to build bridges and improve the state of the world
· Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is the first artist ever to co-chair the Annual Meeting in Davos
· More information about arts and culture at the Annual Meeting 2017 available here
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 14 January 2017 – Over forty cultural leaders will participate in the 47th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, taking place on 17-20 January in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. They will join other leaders from business, government, the media and civil society to inspire more responsive and responsible leadership.
This year marks the 23rd Annual Crystal Awards, recognizing artists who have demonstrated exemplary leadership. This year’s honourees are Anne-Sophie Mutter, for her leadership in providing opportunities for young people to develop careers as musicians; Shakira, for her leadership in supporting early-childhood development; and Forest Whitaker, for his leadership in peace-building and conflict resolution. They will receive the awards on Monday, 16 January in the Congress Centre. “Artists remind us of our responsibility towards each other. The Crystal Award recipients are leading examples for the global community of what it means to inspire and create change for the long-term” said Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman of the World Arts Forum which selects awardees.
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy becomes the first artist ever to join the Annual Meeting as a co-Chair of the event, alongside other leaders from business, government and civil society. Returning this year is Yo-Yo Ma who in 2016 became the first artist to join the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum. Other cultural leaders taking part include Elif Shafak (author), Karan Johar (filmmaker and producer), Jamie Oliver (chef), Tracy Fullerton (video game designer), will.i.am (musician), and Jin Xing (choreographer and TV host). Cultural leaders will be involved in more than 50 sessions on topics ranging from populism to climate change and technology to cultural heritage.
“Through their vision and courage these artists speak truth to power. They can point a different way forward for society and in that sense, are leaders too” said Nico Daswani, Head of Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum.
The Forum has invited the Afghan Women’s Orchestra “Zohra”, to perform at the Closing Concert on 20 January 2017 with the youth ensemble, the Orchestre du Collège de Genève, in the spirit of intercultural dialogue through music. Zohra, led by two inspiring female conductors, Negin Khpolwak and Zarifa Adiba, comprises 30 young women between the ages of 14 and 20 who are studying at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, founded by Ahmad Sarmast. They are the first women in their families, community and country to learn music in over 30 years. The performance at the Annual Meeting kicks off a first international tour, with concerts and activities in Switzerland and Germany where Zohra will collaborate with local youth orchestras. Follow Zohra’s tour on Twitter: hashtag #zohratour
Several cultural leaders have collaborated with the Forum to present large-scale exhibitions and major art installations in and around the Congress Centre. These are intended to create spaces for reflection and dialogue on some of the most pressing issues of our times. These include John Grade’s 25-metre Middle Fork tree installation, presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution; Tomas Saraceno’s Aerocene flying artwork; and Angelica Dass’ Humanae portrait series.
Notes to Editors:
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