Our shared vision is a world in which arts and culture thrive and are recognised by governments and peoples for their manifold contribution to society.

The purpose of the Secretariat is to support and engage members; to forge platforms for collaboration and exchange; to be a trusted source of intelligence; and to lead global thought for arts and culture in public life.

 

 

Our Strategy 2021-2026 outlines how we aspire to work with our members to adapt to post-COVID conditions, through crisis management, recovery and long-term strategy; rebuild, redefine and reform public support for arts and culture, towards a more sustainable and secure future; demonstrate the international leadership and innovation potential of our sector; embed arts and culture in wider social conversations and collaborate with other sectors; and welcome new members to stand with us, unified in global commitment to arts and culture. 

Under our Strategy 2021-2026, the Secretariat will continue to provide programmes and services that respond to members’ needs, with a focus on international relationships and exchange, and knowledge and evidence. We will strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of government arts and culture agencies, and profile key concerns for members and the sectors they support. 

We will:

  • connect members with common interests and goals; create and facilitate confidential spaces for peer exchange; and foster international participation, collaboration and action
     
  • generate, interpret and share global knowledge and evidence related to the development and implementation of arts and cultural policies
     
  • use our unique global perspective and understanding of the membership to offer trusted advisory services to help members connect, find relevant and reliable information, solve problems, and develop new areas of work
     
  • introduce themed programming to develop sustained discussions on significant issues; and to offer opportunities for members to engage across regions and with the wider international community, and across sectors where relevant
     
  • complement our in-person programmes with more opportunities for online engagement, noting that most of our work will remain online until 2022.

 

Released in May 2021, we recognise that our Strategy for 2021-2026 covers a period that will entail significant upheaval for members who face different changes and challenges in the wake of the pandemic, including across digital divides that are now more pronounced. This strategy is informed by direct input from National Members, who continue to be at the centre of our work and considers immediate and longer-term needs identified by them. It is intended as a flexible roadmap which will be reviewed in 2023, to allow us to adapt to ongoing change.

 

Read the Strategy 2021-2026 in English Read the Strategy 2021-2026 in Spanish

Read the Strategy 2021-2026 in French