Our theme for this first ever international forum to develop business strategies for arts organisations is the crucial issue of corporate investment in the arts.
Day 1 will open with keynote speeches giving a global point of view from leaders of cultural organisations and business. François de Mazières, President of La Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine will review culture's place in a rapidly changing economy; whilst Thomas Girst will share how BMW integrates culture and communications. Small group panel discussions, led by arts consultants, PR experts and representatives from blue chip companies will get to grips with the solutions sponsorship will have to find in the current financial climate.
CultureBusiness believes that ideas must be backed-up with real-world experience, and this will be provided by case studies tackling such topics as audience analysis, return on investment, fund raising and co-branding. Our first day will conclude with a cocktail party held at the Residence of the British Ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacot.
Day 2 will begin with three speeches confronting the critical issue of innovation, delivered by the directors of leading cultural centres, such as London's Somerset House, and an international company on the cutting edge of new technology. Small discussion groups will then provide a chance to immerse yourself in new ideas and to discuss your own, followed by case studies presented by representatives from organisations such as Sony and the Royal Opera House, London. Topics will include 'The media as sponsor', 'The sponsor as co-producer' and 'Working on the regional level'. CultureBusiness will conclude with a keynote speech investigating new trends in networking by Jacques-Yves Kaced, of the Opera National de Paris.