Little by little, the World Summit on Arts and Culture begins to take shape through its speakers. We are pleased to announce four new speakers:
Alejo Campos began building his professional life and leadership skills at the age of 16 in Argentina and Uruguay, working alongside noteworthy political and cultural individuals, which greatly influenced hisfuture career. Today he lives in El Salvador, and is currently the Director of International Relations and Cooperation of the Presidency's Culture Secretary, from where he directs the Youth Chorus and Orchestra System, and is also Executive President of the Youth Orchestra of Central America and Art and Development Director of the Youth Symphonic Orchestra of El Salvador's ProArte association. In addition, he is also an Associate Expert in the department of Knowledge Management and Communications of the UN's Central Region's Program in Panama. He is the former Cabinet Coordinator of the City of Buenos Aires' Government, and has worked with different agencies dedicated to international cooperation on the issues of Human Development, Democratic Governance, Gender and Culture.
Arjo Klamer Professor in the Economy of Arts and Culture at Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands and lector at the Fontys Academy for Creative Industries, Tilburg, the Netherlands. His current research focuses on the cultural dimension of economic life and the values of art. He is also the president of Foundation ‘Atelier for Creativity and Cultural Entrepreneurship’ and is a member of the board of various cultural organizations.”
Karl Johnstone is the Director of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (‘NZMACI’). The organization operates the national Māori schools of wood carving, weaving, bone and stone carving and canoe construction. Having worked in the cultural heritage sector for over approximately 15 years, Karl has developed a dynamic and innovative leadership approach to the culture and heritage projects he leads. His experience, networks and unique ability to apply and facilitate customary concepts, values and thinking in contemporary environments are the secret to the success of his many projects. Karl has been responsible for developing numerous national and international initiatives, all of which are underpinned by traditional knowledge and Māori tribal perspectives.
Robert Sirman has been Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts, Canada’s national arts funder, since June 2006. His tenure has been marked by intellectual rigor, a strong commitment to consultative practice, and a 20% increase in the Council’s parliamentary appropriation. Prior to joining the Council Sirman spent 15 years as co-director of Canada’s National Ballet School, spearheading an award-winning capital expansion program that helped secure its reputation as one of the finest professional training facilities in the world. Other credits include 10 years at the Ontario Arts Council and five years in Ontario’s first Ministry of Culture. Trained as a social scientist, Sirman is currently leading a transformational change at the Canada Council that will take him to the end of his mandate in June 2014.