BIOTE at World Summit: AI, Climate Change, and the Future of Arts and Culture

Navigating Cultural Futures: The Impact of AI and Climate Change on the Arts

The 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture, held in Seoul from May 27 to 30, 2025, serves as a pivotal forum for discussing the intersection of technology and cultural policy. Co-hosted by the Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), the summit brings together 406 delegates from 94 countries, including 104 speakers from 62 nations. This year’s theme, "Charting the Future of Arts and Culture," reflects a pressing need to address the transformative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change on cultural practices and policies. As the arts community grapples with these challenges, the summit emphasizes the necessity of balancing technological advancements with the preservation of cultural diversity and human narratives.

One of the critical discussions at the summit revolves around the role of AI in shaping artistic creation. AI ethicist Michael Running Wolf, representing First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR), raises significant concerns about the limitations of AI when it comes to preserving Indigenous languages and cultural heritage. He argues that standardized English-based AI models fail to accommodate polysynthetic languages, which are crucial for representing diverse cultural narratives. This critique highlights a broader conversation about how technology can either enhance or undermine creative autonomy. As speakers underscore the importance of protecting linguistic diversity, they call for an inclusive approach to cultural production that respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge systems.

The summit also emphasizes the need for the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) to navigate the complexities introduced by climate change. As environmental crises increasingly impact artistic practices, delegates discuss how to foster sustainable cultural expressions while ensuring equitable access to cultural resources. The dialogue reflects a collective urgency to create adaptive strategies that allow the arts to thrive in an era marked by rapid technological and environmental shifts. ARKO's successful organization of this summit underscores its commitment to exploring these intersections, positioning itself as a leader in fostering innovative conversations around the future of arts and culture.

In addition to the main discussions, the summit serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among global delegates. It follows the previous gathering in Stockholm in 2023, reinforcing the collaborative spirit necessary for addressing these multifaceted challenges. The discussions initiated in Seoul are expected to influence future cultural policies and practices, driving a more inclusive and diverse representation in the arts.

Overall, the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture marks a significant milestone in global dialogue, setting the stage for ongoing conversations about the role of technology in the arts and the imperative of preserving cultural diversity in a rapidly changing world.