Political polarization is tearing at the seams of democracies around the world making it a truly global problem. Art is the Answer! will explore the patterns of polarization through an artistic lens and more importantly the ways through which art and cultural exchange can start healing the divisions.

In a world order that continuously prioritizes economic and political interchange, cultural exchange is the conduit that serves to connect individuals across the lines that divide us. The program will take three major pivots of cultural exchange today:

• Art is the Answer to Algorithms.

• Art is (the Answer to) Power.

• Art is the answer to (Better) Policy.

This flagship program will take place from July 4th to July 8th, 2022, on the occasion of Salzburg Global’s 75th anniversary and the launch of a new Salzburg Global program strategy which celebrates the power of arts and culture to shape a better world.

Application Information

CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS

To qualify, all applicants must:
• Be proficient in English, the working language of the program.
• Be a Maltese citizen or permanent resident.
• Have at least 3 - 5 years of professional experience in the arts and culture sector.
• Want to become an active member of program and the Salzburg Global Culture and Arts Network, and be prepared to commit time, energy, and resources to sustaining these.
• Demonstrate creativity in approach to work, openness to innovation and risk-taking, action-orientation, and entrepreneurial inclination.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must submit the following information using the online application form: Salzburg Global Seminar - Program Application, "Art is the Answer!" (qualtrics.com)

Please provide information on the following:
• Your motivation for applying to participate in the program;
• What you will contribute to program and the on-going network;
• A description of a challenge facing you in your work that you would like to address through participation in the program;

All applications should be directed to Salzburg Global Seminar.


DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2022. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process by 29 April. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates will be jointly selected by Salzburg Global Seminar and Arts Council Malta. Selection will take into consideration regional and cultural diversity as well as a range of artistic disciplines.

For questions about the application please contact Antonia Boemeke

Salzburg Global Seminar is an international non-profit founded in 1947 that challenges current and future leaders to shape a better world. Our multi-year programs bridge divides, expand collaboration, and transform systems to meet the world’s toughest challenges.

Each year Salzburg Global convenes 20-25 strategic residential sessions, involving 40-60 invited participants, addressing issues in fields ranging from health leadership to corporate governance, from educational reform to the role of the arts. In 2020-2021, most sessions pivoted to online formats; in 2022 we anticipate renewing in-person sessions in our unique space of Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria (the palace of “The Sound of Music” film). Over 40,000 Fellows from 170 countries have participated in our work, and every program features perspectives from multiple nations, sectors, and generations. Salzburg Global Fellows include a who’s who of current and rising leaders, including Bangladeshi Photographer, Writer and Activist Shahidul Alam; American politician, lawyer, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams; and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva. 

PREVIOUS PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS

'YCI Forum 2020 was an invaluable experience. Meeting people from Manila to Toronto, Detroit to Tokyo, Cape Town to Buenos Aires - it was incredible to spend two weeks with like-minded people, sharing ideas, approaches, dreams and ambitions. It's enabled me to connect with fellow artists I'd have never had the opportunity to meet, and has sparked a fire inside me that was flickering mid-pandemic. I'm incredibly grateful and excited for what the future holds for each person in the group'. Philippa Cassar, 2020


'The two weeks of YCI were a time of reflection, slowing down and growth. At first I was apprehensive about meeting people for the first time online, via video call, but excited about getting to know others with similar passions, interests and skills. I enjoyed the deep discussions, learning from other members and peers, as well as stretching my perspective and widening my world view. I was most impacted by hearing the stories of other members - the vulnerability, the past experiences that were shared, and the moments of listening and learning. YCI has provided a rich space for artists and activists to come together. It has sparked an energy in me to keep fighting, to try new things and to hold firmly to my belief that the arts will continue to impact society as it always has. I was honoured to represent Malta on an international platform and to understand the struggles and accomplishments of fellows from all over the world. I look forward to growing in the relationships that have started and collaborating with other fellows in the near future!'. Bettina Muchmore, 2020


'My participation at the Young Cultural Innovators Forum by Salzburg Global is definitely my highlight for this year. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be immersed within a group of highly talented individuals from all over the world - young people that are real change-makers and driving forces within their spheres. The carefully selected mentors and facilitators provided us with a safe environment for knowledge-sharing and personal growth. The mesmerising peaceful surroundings, the beautiful palace and the generous hospitality offered to us, allowed us to be able to absorb the insights gathered during the sessions, clarify our thoughts and come up with our individual ways forward. I don’t think it is a coincidence that at times, during our discussions we dared to compare the experience to the justifiable cliche of what it might feel like to live in heaven. With an atmosphere of respect and care, we were given a platform and space for dialogue allowing everyone to be open. Moreover, Salzburg Global opened up so as to put itself in the vulnerable position of allowing for critique of the same context that we found ourselves in. I would like to thank Arts Council Malta for supporting my participation and Fondazzjoni Kreattività for allowing me to dedicate time towards invaluable professional development'. Justin Galea, 2019

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