From 16 to 18 September 2026, the BONN SUMMIT – European Forum on Culture and Politics will take place for the first time at the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn. This new forum brings together stakeholders from the fields of art, culture, politics, academia, and civil society to discuss the cultural foundations of open and democratic societies. The focus will be on current geopolitical developments, the role of cultural institutions, and the question of how international cooperation and shared values can be strengthened.

At the BONN SUMMIT, we will be part of the panel discussion “A Duty of Neutrality? European Values for Transnational Cooperation”, held on 18 September at 12 noon. Together with Marion Ackermann (Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Berlin), Matej Drlička (Open Culture!, Bratislava), Barbara Gessler (Representation of the European Commission in Germany, Berlin), and Amanda Mayne (British Museum, London), we will explore the role of cultural institutions in an environment increasingly shaped by political and societal tensions.

At the heart of the discussion is the question of whether, and in what ways, international cultural cooperation can be grounded in European values without compromising its commitment to openness and dialogue. What responsibilities do cultural institutions have at a time when democratic values are under pressure? And how can cross-border partnerships help strengthen mutual understanding, exchange, and social cohesion across Europe and around the world?

We look forward to contributing to this important debate and engaging with partners from across Europe and beyond on the future of international cooperation.

More information on the BONN SUMMIT and its programme:
https://www.bundeskunsthalle.de/en/bonn-summit