Unlocking Collaboration: How the World Economic Forum Fosters Innovation Between Art and Technology

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, the opening concert is a key event. Joseph Fowler, WEF’s head of arts and culture, introduces a unique cultural statement inspired by the forum’s focus on sustainability and innovation. This year’s concert highlights the UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. In his introduction, Fowler posed essential questions about preserving human creativity in an age where technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), dominates.

For the third time, Fowler has chosen an environmental theme for the concert. He collaborates with Refik Anadol, a renowned Turkish-born artist, to create immersive visuals that aim to raise awareness about the climate crisis. This digital artwork serves as a powerful call to action for the 2,500 delegates attending the forum as well as those watching online.

This year’s concert will shine a light on the rapidly melting polar ice caps, particularly in Antarctica, which holds about 91% of the world’s glaciers. Prominent artists like Ane Brun, Danielle de Niese, and Jeremy Dutcher will perform music that blends classical, electronic, and synthetic styles, creating an experience that responds live to Anadol’s stunning visuals composed using AI techniques.

Throughout the week, the WEF features around 300 events covering numerous global challenges, from environmental issues to economic strategies. Fowler’s role is to connect the arts with these pressing topics. By featuring artists who tackle important themes, he aims to make the arts a vital part of the forum’s mission.

Many artists see the value in engaging with global leaders at Davos. Benjamin Von Wong, a Canadian photographer known for his work on plastic pollution, presented impactful visuals at the 2024 meeting. His installation, Biodiversity Jenga, was a hit and is slated to appear at a major biodiversity conference in Colombia later this year.

The arts and culture program at Davos includes not just concerts, but also art exhibitions and discussions featuring speakers who advocate for various causes, including education and environmental sustainability. These events foster collaboration between the arts community and leaders in business and government.

Fowler brings a wealth of experience to his role at WEF. He trained at the Royal Ballet School and performed globally before transitioning to arts management. His past roles include directing programming at major arts venues and leading projects at significant cultural events.

Fowler’s vision for the WEF’s cultural initiatives aims to include diverse artists whose work resonates with its mission. He believes it is vital for artists to participate in discussions about climate change and AI, emphasizing their role as storytellers. Ensuring that their voices are heard at forums like WEF can foster essential conversations about our future.