Art and social political change:
As the performing arts sector grapples with rapid global change, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is preparing to convene its 2025 mid-year congress in the picturesque city of Lugano, Switzerland. Under the timely theme “Art and Social Political Change”, this gathering will bring together creative leaders from around the world to explore how the arts can act as a powerful catalyst for societal transformation.
The arts as a force in a divided world
ISPA’s 2025 Lugano Congress arrives at a critical moment, as artists and cultural leaders navigate intensifying political polarisation, global uncertainty and fast-moving technological shifts. The programme will explore how the arts support wellbeing, respond to the pressures facing artists, and highlight the vital role of curators in an increasingly fragmented landscape. This reflects a growing recognition that the arts do not merely mirror society—they shape dialogue, challenge norms and inspire change.
Creative responses to urgent realities
Throughout the congress, delegates will examine the complexities of working in a world where censorship, economic pressures and social division are on the rise. The focus remains on practical, forward-looking responses—how curators and producers can foster inclusive programming, and how cross-border collaboration can break down silos and spark new ideas.
Innovation and emerging creative practices
A key theme running through the congress is the impact of new technologies and evolving artistic approaches. With digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the creative landscape, discussions will explore both the opportunities these tools unlock and the ethical questions they raise. For new delegates, one of the most anticipated highlights is Pitch New Works, a dynamic showcase for innovative projects that are pushing the boundaries of form and content.
Building connection across borders
Connection and community lie at the heart of the Lugano Congress. More than 300 leaders from over 50 regions are expected to attend, representing a rich diversity of genres and disciplines within the performing arts. Inspiring ISPA events—including the Anthony Field Academy for emerging leaders, the Professional Exchange and the ISPA Awards—offer invaluable opportunities for peer learning and professional exchange. Delegates will also be invited to explore Lugano’s rich local arts scene, reinforcing the congress’s commitment to fostering both global dialogue and local engagement.
ISPA’s 2025 Lugano Congress: Art and Social Political Change takes place in Lugano, Switzerland between 10 and 13 June 2025. To discover more and to register,
visit ispa.org/page/congress_lug25
ISPA’s 2025 Lugano Congress: Art and Social Political Change (10–13 June 2025)
Congress Day 1 (Tuesday 10 June)
09:00-18:00 – Registration/Check-in
09:30-12:00 – Anthony Field Academy
14:00-14:30 – Opening Ceremony and Welcome
14:30-15:45 – Session 1: “Culture and Wellbeing: Arts and Healing Communities”:
Speakers: Roberto Casarotto (Co-Director, Aerowaves Europe – Ireland); Nils Fietje (Technical Officer,
Behavioural and Cultural Insights (BCI) Unit at the WHO Regional Office for Europe – Denmark); Enzo Grossi (Scientific Director, Villa Santa Maria Foundation – Italy); Pier Luigi Sacco (Professor, University of Chieti-Pescara – Italy); Rarița Zbranca (Programme Director, Cluj Cultural Centre – Romania)
18:30-19:45 – Concert: Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
19:45-22:00 – Opening Reception
From 22:00 – Cocktail Klatch
Congress Day 2 (Wednesday 11 June)
09:00-16:00 – Registration/Check-in
10:30-12:00 – Breakout Sessions: In Conversation with: Alicia Adams (Vice President, International Programming & Dance, John F. Kennedy Center – US) and Alfonso Leal del Ojo (Chief Executive, The English Concert – UK); Cath Levy, CM (Independent Dance Producer / Advisor / Mentor and NAC Dance Producer Emerita – Canada); Dorcy Rugamba (Artistic Director, Kigali Triennial – Rwanda/Belgium); Natália Oszkó-Jakab (Festival Director, Valley of Arts Festival – Hungary)
13:45-15:00 – Session 2: “Arts in Conflict:
Resistance and Hope”
Speakers: Amany Abouzeid (Regional Arts Director, MENA, British Council – Egypt); Kateryna Botanova (Independent Cultural Researcher and Curator – Ukraine and Switzerland); Jonathan Harper (Chief Executive, Paraorchestra – UK); Julia Lagahuzère (Co-Founder / General Director, Opera for Peace – Italy)
16:00-17:10 – Opera for Peace: Leading Voices
of the World
From 21:00 – ISPA Night:
Luigi Maglione (Kashmere) – Italian-Swiss Artist
Julie Meletta – Swiss Pop Singer-Songwriter
Congress Day 3 (Thursday 12 June)
09:00-15:00 – Registration/Check-in
10:00-12:00 – Pitch New Works, hosted by Anthony Sargent CBE (International Cultural Advisor – UK)
12:00-14:00 – ProEx
14:00-14:15 – ISPA Award Presentation (Part 1): Awardee: Michael Haefliger (Executive and Artistic Director, Lucerne Festival – Switzerland)
14:15-15:30 – Session 3: “Upholding Artistic Integrity in a Polarised World”
Speakers: Cindy Van Acker (Artist, Compagnie Greffe – Switzerland); Jurriaan Cooiman (Founder and Artistic Director, Culturescapes – Switzerland); Piersandra Di Matteo (Performing Arts Scholar, Curator and Dramaturg, Università IUAV di Venezia – Italy)
16:00-17:00 – ISPA Award Presentation (Part 2): Awardees: Łukasz Twarkowski (Theater Maker /
Director – Poland); Cindy Van Acker (Artist, Compagnie Greffe – Switzerland)
20:30-22:00 – Show Titzizé: A Venetian Dream
From 22:00 – Cocktail Klatch
Congress Day 4 (Friday 13 June)
09:00-12:00 – Registration/Check-in
10:15-11:30 – Session 4: “Can the Arts Make a Difference Today?”
Speakers: Fizza Hasan (Founder and Artistic Director, Theatre Wallay – Pakistan); Cathy Levy, CM (Independent Dance Producer / Advisor / Mentor and NAC Dance Producer Emerita – Canada); Boris Nikitin (Theatre Director, Writer, Curator, It’s The Real Thing Studios – Switzerland); Dorcy Rugamba (Artistic Director, Kigali Triennal – Rwanda/Belgium); Łukasz Twarkowski (Theater Maker / Director – Poland)
12:00-13:30 – Closing Ceremony
13:30-15:30 – Individual Networking
17:00-19:00 – Lake Lugano Cruise
19:00 – End of Congress
Please note that times and programmes are subject to change.
