Participants of the 4th Davos Philanthropic Roundtable: Contemporary art plays a key role in social transformations

Participants of the 4th Davos Philanthropic Roundtable, entitled “modernARTization: Art and Philanthropy Changing Societies”, acknowledged that social role of contemporary art in modern world goes beyond the boundaries of aesthetic education.

Danish artist Olafur Eliasson believes that the main mission of art for today is to stand against simplification of modern world view. “Art creates reality. Politicians act against it. Artists create the world of irrationality; lead the world away from simplicity; ask questions and force to think”, he stated.

Jeff Koons, American master of contemporary art, expressed an opinion that the influence art has on a person goes beyond the boundaries of one’s mortal life: “Even when Rembrandt’s works of art will turn into dust in museums, art will remain in our genes. It promotes development of a person, gives confidence, teaches to see the world in a different light and explore it.”

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority Board of Trustees, underlined that an important social function of contemporary art is to bridge the world of today and the heritage of the past. From this point of view, each art museum must have national historical context. “You may have a wonderful museum and interesting collection, but if it doesn’t relate to the local context and its exhibits do not refer to the local roots – you will never have visitors”, she stated

Brazilian businessman and philanthropist Bernardo Paz suggested that art can provide favourable social conditions for transforming societies. “Contemporary art can bring together journalists, artists, businessmen and philanthropists. And this way it creates an environment in which transformation processes can be initialized.”

Richard Armstrong, Director of Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum, also supported this idea. According to him “each museum of contemporary art is a bridge that connects all kinds of people, regardless of their status, age or education.”

The 4th Davos Philanthropic Roundtable is supported by partners:
Special partner – KM Core
Communication partner – Kyivstar