International Perspectives and New Partnerships
In the Spring of 2026, the Danish Cultural Institute participated in Kulturlivets Topmøde 2026, organised in collaboration with Dansk Kulturliv, Vejle Music Theatre, the Municipality of Vejle, Applaus, the Danish Institute for Cultural Analysis, and Danish Cultural Institute.
Under the theme “The Free Mind – Thriving or in Decline?”, the summit explored the conditions for arts and culture in a time marked by polarisation and increasing political, social, and institutional pressures.
The Danish Cultural Institute contributed to the programme through three activities focused on international perspectives and collaboration.
Conversation with Ukraine’s Minister of Culture
As part of the programme, the Institute helped facilitate an online conversation with Ukraine’s Minister of Culture, Tetyana Berezhna. The discussion provided insights into the role of culture during wartime and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities currently facing Ukraine’s cultural sector.
Networking Event on Cooperation with the Ukrainian Cultural Sector
The Danish Cultural Institute also hosted a networking event featuring five Ukrainian cultural leaders representing the museum, library, and performing arts sectors. The purpose was to strengthen dialogue between Danish and Ukrainian cultural actors and to lay the groundwork for future partnerships.
The programme included a panel discussion facilitated by Frederikke Thorning, followed by a structured networking session where Danish cultural leaders had the opportunity to exchange experiences and explore concrete collaboration opportunities with representatives from Ukrainian cultural institutions.
The Ukrainian delegation consisted of:
- Milena Chorna, Head of the Ukraine Museum Associations
- Ihor Poshyvaylo, General Director, Maydan Museum (online)
- Oksana Brui, Deputy Director General of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine and President of the Ukrainian Library Association
- Lyudmila Ospadova, Deputy Director of Projects, Grants and Fundraising, Mykolaiv Academic Art Drama Theatre
- Olga Diatel, Cultural Manager, NGO Insha Osvita
Panel Debate on Cultural Institutions Under Pressure
In collaboration with Applaus, the Danish Cultural Institute organised the panel debate “Communities on the Edge – In Good Times and Bad”, which explored the role of cultural institutions in societies experiencing political and democratic pressures.
The debate was opened by the Institute’s Director, Camilla Mordhorst, and brought together cultural leaders from Georgia, Belgium, Germany, and Lithuania. Participants discussed the importance of cultural institutions as spaces for dialogue, reflection, and community during periods of societal change and uncertainty. The debate was moderated by Lene Struck-Madsen.
Key Takeaways
The Cultural Summit 2026 highlighted the importance of arts and cultural institutions as spaces for nuanced dialogue, critical reflection, and democratic participation. The event also underscored the value of international cooperation and partnerships as essential tools for strengthening the resilience and capacity of the cultural sector in an increasingly complex and changing world.
