As a proud partner of the upcoming Bonn Summit, the Compendium is thrilled to share an exclusive invitation to a pioneering new format exploring the critical intersection of arts, culture, and democratic resilience.
Geopolitical power shifts, societal polarisation, and the erosion of democratic norms are no longer distant threats—they are reshaping our daily cultural landscape.
The Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn cordially invites international experts, cultural workers, academics, and citizens to come together, network, and form pro-democratic alliances.
🏛️ Event Details at a Glance
🔬 A Laboratory for New Alliances
The Bonn Summit is designed to be far more than a standard conference; it serves as a dynamic laboratory for practical strategies and solidarity. Over three intensive days, the forum will tackle distinct core challenges:
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Day 1 (16 Sept): The New World Order: The End of the Transatlantic West?
An exploration of the value system shared between Europe and the US, and how emerging autocracies are challenging traditional governance, free information, and the rule of law.
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Day 2 (17 Sept): Shrinking Civic Spaces and Cultural Infrastructures under Attack.
A direct look at how anti-democratic forces target artistic freedom, media independence, and institutional foundations.
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Day 3 (18 Sept): Public Imaginaries. European Identity between Self-Relativisation and Self-Assertion.
Developing new narrative frameworks for a united, democratic Europe amid changing global realities.
🎙️ Distinguished International Guests
Join an exceptional lineup of top-tier speakers, policymakers, and advocates from across Europe and the United States, including:
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Glenn Micallef – European Commissioner for Culture (BE)
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Oleksandra Matviichuk – Head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties, Kyiv (UKR)
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Sven Lehmann – Chair of the Committee on Cultural and Media Affairs, German Bundestag (GER)
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Christina Beinhoff – Head of the Cultural Department, Federal Foreign Office (GER)
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Elizabeth Larison – Director of the Arts & Culture Advocacy Program, National Coalition Against Censorship (US)
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Omri Boehm – Associate Professor of Philosophy, The New School New York (US)
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Marion Ackermann – President, Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (GER)
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Gregory Houston – President and CEO, International Arts and Artists (US)
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Amanda Mayne – Head of Partnerships, British Museum (UK)
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Geert Lovink – Media Theorist, Institute of Network Cultures (NL)
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Patricia Espinosa – Former Head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
…and many more inspiring voices.
🎟️ Secure Your Spot
Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved, share concrete strategies, and experience encouraging exchanges with colleagues from around the world.
Early Bird Special: Register by 15 July 2026 to take advantage of advanced booking rates.
As an added incentive, the first 50 ticket buyers will receive an exclusive invitation to an evening reception at the Representation of the European Commission on September 17!
To view the full, detailed programme and book your tickets, visit the official summit portal: 👉 Bonn Summit – Bundeskunsthalle
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