· Architect Sir David Adjaye and photographer Sebastião Salgado receive the 27th Crystal Awards honouring change-making artists
· Marin Alsop, Yo-Yo Ma, Es Devlin, and artists, musicians and film teams around the world collaborate on “See Me: A Global Concert”, shot on location despite the challenges of COVID-19, in a spirit of trust, connection and hope
· Opening Ceremony on Sunday 24 January at 19.00 CET and again at 19.00 EST
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 January 2021 — The Opening Night of The Davos Agenda on Sunday 24 January at 19.00 CET (rebroadcast at 19.00 EST and on Monday 25 January at 20.30 CST), will feature several world-class artists and creative change-makers coming together in a show of togetherness.
The 27th Crystal Awards
Co-hosted by Hilde Schwab, Chair of the World Arts Forum, and photographer Platon, the 27th Crystal Award ceremony honours Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye for his leadership in serving communities, cities and the environment, and French-Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado for his leadership in addressing inequality and sustainability.
“Both Sir David and Sebastião are important storytellers of our time who offer insights into the possibility for change. They connect us to each other, they give us a language to imagine, and they provide visions of the world that can cut through the limitations of short-term or linear thinking,” said Hilde Schwab.Sir David Adjaye
Sir David and his architecture firm operate globally, with a diverse portfolio spanning private houses, offices, monuments and museums. His largest project to date is the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. He uses architecture as a social act to serve communities and achieve an ambitious environmental agenda.
“For me architecture represents opportunities for storytelling, justice and transformation and my ambition has always been toward projects with these qualities. I am deeply humbled to be recognized with this year's Crystal Award and inspired to continue to pursue my work with social impact as the guiding force,” said Sir David.
Sebastião Salgado
Salgado’s iconic black and white photographs span decades and more than 100 countries. His work documents life on Earth, revealing both awe-inspiring and horrifying scenes, provoking debate about the human condition and issues of inequality and sustainability. The photographs impart the dignity and integrity of his subjects, without forcing their heroism or implicitly soliciting pity.
“In the late 1960s, I was employed as an economist at the International Coffee Organization and I began traveling around Africa. One day, I borrowed my wife Lélia’s camera and I began to see the world in a different way. Soon I wanted to share what I saw through the lens of the camera. I am deeply honoured to receive the Crystal Award for my work,” said Salgado.
World Premiere of “See Me: A Global Concert”
Immediately following the 27th Crystal Awards, the World Economic Forum will hold the world premiere of its 23-minute cinematic musical production, “See Me: A Global Concert”, an international collaborative effort. Filmed on location from September through December 2020 despite the challenges of COVID-19, it is led by music director Marin Alsop and includes the participation of Yo-Yo Ma (USA), the Chamber Orchestra of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (Afghanistan), the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (Austria), the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra (USA), the Choir of the State Orchestra of São Paulo (Brazil), the Orchestra della Toscana (Italy), the Drakensberg Boys Choir (South Africa), the China NCPA Orchestra (China), and sand artist Jim Denevan (USA). The film includes an original composition, See Me, by Reena Esmail. In addition to Marin Alsop, the creative team behind the project includes Film Director Bernadette Wegenstein, Creative Director Es Devlin and Director of Photography John Benam. The project has been made possible thanks to generous support from Intesa Sanpaolo.
“This project is intended as a shared expression of trust and connection in these tough times. We are so grateful to the hundreds of artists, musicians and film teams who took a leap of faith and collaborated across borders to make this beautiful film together,” said Nico Daswani, Head of Arts and Culture at the Forum and Executive Producer of the film.
Preceding the 27th Crystal Awards and the world premiere of “See Me: A Global Concert”, the Opening Ceremony will begin with a welcome message from Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, followed by a special address from Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation.
About The Davos Agenda
The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders aimed at rebuilding trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. It features a full week of global programming dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year. Heads of state, chief executives, civil society leaders, and global media will participate in almost 100 sessions spanning five themes. Media can register here.
Note to Editors
How to follow and watch sessions at The Davos Agenda
The Davos Agenda Registration for Media
Learn about the Forum’s impact
Read the Forum Agenda (also in French | Spanish | Mandarin | Japanese)
Subscribe to News releases and Podcasts
Explore the Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Platform and Transformation Maps