|
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a milestone year that marks one quarter century since the genesis of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies and since the assembly of our first World Summit on Arts and Culture. It also marks 20 years since the adoption of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the principles of which we champion throughout our work. These milestones were accompanied by a calendar of significant gatherings and collaboration across the international cultural community, as we continue to work together to pursue shared goals. Below, we are pleased
to share a summary of our reflections from the year, with an extended version available to read on our website.
Throughout the year, our discussions with the international community have emphasised that culture is an essential dimension of any liveable society; it is not simply secondary to sustainable development. This was made clear across significant gatherings including our 10th World Summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea in May and MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, Spain in September.
Global activities related to financing culture were also increasingly visible. In July, in Spain the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development adopted the Seville Commitment which includes landmark recognition of the contribution of culture and the creative economy to sustainable development. And in August, leaders from Asia-Pacific adopted a joint statement that confirmed the economic influence of culture and the cultural and creative industries (CCI) as catalysts for economic growth at the first APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries.
Focused discussions also took place on Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital governance and data sovereignty as forces that are shaping the cultural landscape. UNESCO's Independent Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence and Culture, warns that AI is advancing faster than global governance in its latest 2025 report, while the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 shows that the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) will face
significant disruption and change as automation and AI reshape labour markets. In response, several governments have implemented new laws and formed interministerial and private partnerships to help improve working conditions for the sector. Furthermore, the revised UNESCO 2025 Framework for Cultural Statistics was launched, developed by an Expert Working Group on which IFACCA served. After 16 years since the 2009 version, this much-anticipated revised framework addresses longstanding gaps in comparative data and provides governments and cultural agencies with improved tools to measure the social and
economic contributions of culture.
Peacebuilding and protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones remains a priority, as does the growing commitment to protecting languages and Indigenous knowledge systems. Some progress has been made since the historic adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organisation Treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. The Republic of Malawi became the first country to ratify the Treaty in December last year, with the Republic of Uganda becoming the second to do so in August this year.
The environment and the role of culture in climate action have also continued to be in the spotlight this year, with culture playing a pivotal role at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Notably, at COP30 culture was included for the first time within the official climate action agenda, underscoring increasing recognition of culture in climate discussions. This builds on the momentum from the recent Barcelona Declaration by the Group of Friends for Culture-based Climate Action at MONDIACULT 2025.
As we enter the next quarter of the century, we must urgently tackle global challenges, and international cooperation and multilateralism will be key. Culture is at the heart of who we are and how we envision our shared future: culture is our compass. The path ahead demands that we secure public and private investment; address structural barriers faced by cultural institutions; and support legal, institutional and financial plans, including better protections for cultural workers, cultural rights and traditional knowledge. Culture has always shaped the future and in 2026 and beyond we must continue to build the scaffolding to support and sustain it. The intensity of dialogue in the last 12 months must now transform into concrete actions.
Read the full version of our 2025 end of year review here.
|
|
ACORNS Iberoamericano
Le recordamos que continuamos entregando noticias del espacio iberoamericano tanto de los países miembros como artículos en prensa en general de la región. Al final de cada edición de ACORNS encontrará la sección de ACORNS Iberoamericano. Asimismo, nuestro sitio web cuenta con una variedad de noticias en español a su disposición.
|
|
|
New National Member: Department of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Government of Tuvalu
|
 |
|
We are very pleased to welcome the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Government of Tuvalu as a new National Member of the Federation.
The Department of Culture was established in 1978, reflecting the vision of the nation’s founders who enshrined culture as one of the fundamental pillars of Tuvalu’s Constitution.
The Department of Culture currently operates under several guiding frameworks including:
-
Strategic Priority Area 4 of Te Kete
-
Priority 18 of the 21 National Priorities
-
The MHACCE Corporate Plan 2024–2027
-
The Tuvalu National Culture Policy
At the regional level, the Department of Culture represents Tuvalu as a member of the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture, working in close collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) to advance the Pacific’s cultural industries. The Department is actively implementing objectives of the Regional Culture Strategy: Investing in Pacific Cultures, ensuring Tuvalu remains visible and engaged in regional cultural platforms. Increased manpower and funding are vital prerequisites to strengthen Tuvalu’s presence and to access the significant funding opportunities available for culture across the region and internationally.
Internationally, Tuvalu has taken important steps to domesticate its obligations under cultural conventions. Tuvalu is a State Party to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. Both conventions are critical for the protection of traditional knowledge and historical sites. Depositing the instruments of ratification is a significant milestone, particularly as safeguarding cultural heritage is closely linked to Tuvalu’s resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise.
|
|
|
Celebrating Australia and Singapore’s cultural ties
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, 5 December 2025, Australia
From 3–4 November 2025, the Office for the Arts hosted the 10th Australia-Singapore Arts Group (ASAG) meeting and 5th Cultural Leaders' Forum (the Forum) in Adelaide. They worked closely with Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Adelaide Festival Centre to deliver the events.
|
|
|
Strength in Numbers: Large Study Suggests Role for Music in Preventing Dementia
National Endowment for the Arts, 3 December 2025, USA
In 2020, the AARP’s Global Brain Health Alliance published a consensus report, Music on our Minds: The Rich Potential of Music to Promote Brain Health and Mental Well-Being. The report, produced in consultation with the National Endowment for the Arts, cited promising research on the value of music training for older adults.
|
|
|
"Crossroads of Peace" program shapes a new regional mindset: Zhanna Andreasyan
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, 27 November 2025
The opening ceremony of the "Cultural Crossroads" Yerevan International Conference, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO Convention on the Promotion and Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, took place at the M. Mashtots "Matenadaran" Scientific-Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.
|
|
|
Namibia launches national cultural and creative industries strategy
Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, 9 December 2025, Namibia
The National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy aims to strengthen cultural governance and strategically position Namibia's CCI sector as a vital contributor to national development; to be prioritised as contemporary artistic and creative expressions, along with simultaneous improvement in trade facilitation through exports and the celebration of Namibian talent.
|
|
|
UNESCO and the Fiji Museum strengthen cooperation to safeguard Pacific cultural heritage
UNESCO, 28 November 2025, Fiji
The UNESCO Office for the Pacific States and the Fiji Museum have strengthened cooperation to advance the safeguarding, protection, and promotion of Fiji’s cultural heritage. Aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan (2025–2029) and its National Culture Policy (2023–2033), this partnership reinforces national efforts to preserve cultural heritage, enhance museum capacities, and expand community engagement with culture. It also advances UNESCO’s broader mandate to support resilient, inclusive and well-governed cultural institutions across the Pacific.
|
|
|
Safeguarding democracy in Europe: Council shines a light on culture’s vital role
The Council of the European Union - Consilium, 28 November 2025, International
This is the message put forward by EU culture ministers in conclusions approved in Brussels today. The ministers stress the need to protect and promote culture in all its forms and Europe’s cultural heritage as crucial factors in building and maintaining democratic resilience.
|
|
|
Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and Film South Asia sign MoU
Trade Chronicle, 27 November 2025, Pakistan
On the 27th day of the 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025” organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and the “Travelling Film Festival.” Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah and Film South Asia Chairman Kanak Mani Dixit signed the agreement.
|
|
|
Sound Fair? An analysis of art music commissioning in Australia
Creative Australia, 4 December 2025, Australia
This report aims to establish a snapshot of current commissioning rates and commissioning practices in the art music industry. It examines rates and practices across Australian creators of classical, jazz, improvised and experimental music, and sound art, referred to collectively as art music.
|
|
|
Supporting the Art Ecosystem: Report and Arts Council England response
Arts Council England, 4 December 2025, England
This report focusses on contemporary collecting, and regional museums and galleries in particular. Commissioned by Arts Council England and prepared by ArtTactic, it examines where these relationships are strong, where gaps remain, and what steps could strengthen the ecosystem. With unprecedented wealth transfers, shifting philanthropic values, and widening regional disparities, this report argues that the time is right to reimagine how museums, funders, and private stakeholders could collaborate more effectively.
|
|
|
Culture in the Digital Age – Long-term Insights Briefing 2025
Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture & Heritage, New Zealand, 4 December 2025
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has released its Long-term Insights Briefing (LTIB) 2025, Culture in the Digital Age, exploring how digital technologies will change the ways New Zealanders create, share and protect their stories in 2040 and beyond.
|
|
|
Guidance on policy and strategic actions for mental health and the culture, arts and sport sector
World Health Organization, 24 November 2025, International
Protecting and promoting mental health requires coordinated action across all sectors. This new Guidance supports governments in assessing how sector mandates, policies, and plans affect mental health, and provides practical steps to integrate mental health and well-being into the development, implementation, and evaluation of sectoral policies.
|
|
|
Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers
Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), 19 November 2025, United Kingdom
This report continues our State of the Nations series, building on previous Arts, Culture and Heritage (ACH) research. The key finding is that exit rates from the sector are higher compared with other sectors. ACH jobs rely on a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, with freelancers forming the vital backbone (comprising approximately 59% of the ACH workforce).
|
|
|
Cultural Connections: New UK–Finland partnership to support emerging creative professionals
The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, 31 October 2025, International
The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, together with the British Embassy in Helsinki, is delighted to announce the launch of Cultural Connections – Emerging Creative Professionals’ Partnership, a new pilot initiative designed to strengthen cultural exchange and support emerging artists and cultural professionals in between the United Kingdom and Finland.
|
|
En este final del 2025, reflexionamos sobre este año histórico en el que se cumple un cuarto de siglo desde la creación de la Federación Internacional de Consejos de las Artes y Agencias Culturales y de la celebración de nuestra primera Cumbre Mundial de las Artes y la Cultura. También se cumplen 20 años desde la adopción de la Convención de la UNESCO de 2005 sobre la Protección y Promoción de la Diversidad de las Expresiones Culturales, cuyos principios defendemos a través de nuestro trabajo. Estos hitos han estado acompañados de un calendario de encuentros significativos y de colaboración en toda la comunidad cultural internacional, mientras seguimos
trabajando en conjunto para alcanzar objetivos compartidos. A continuación, les ofrecemos un resumen de nuestras reflexiones de este año y pueden leer una versión más completa en nuestra web.
Durante todo el año, nuestros diálogos en el seno de la comunidad internacional han enfatizado que la cultura es una dimensión esencial de cualquier sociedad habitable, no meramente un factor secundario del desarrollo sostenible, lo que quedó claro en encuentros relevantes como nuestra 10a Cumbre Mundial en Seúl, República de Corea, en mayo, o MONDIACULT 2025 en Barcelona, España, en septiembre.
Las actividades internacionales relacionadas con el financiamiento de la cultura fueron cada vez más visibles. En julio, en España, la cuarta Conferencia Internacional sobre la Financiación para el Desarrollo adoptó el Compromiso de Sevilla, que incluye un reconocimiento histórico de la contribución de la cultura y la economía creativa al desarrollo sostenible. En agosto, líderes de Asia-Pacífico adoptaron una declaración conjunta confirmando la influencia económica de la cultura y las industrias culturales y creativas como catalizadores del crecimiento económico en el primer Diálogo de Alto Nivel de APEC sobre Industrias Culturales y Creativas.
Tuvieron lugar también debates centrados en la Inteligencia Artificial (IA), la gobernanza digital y la soberanía de datos como fuerzas que están moldeando el panorama cultural. El Grupo Independiente de Expertos(as) de la UNESCO sobre Inteligencia Artificial y Cultura advirtió que la IA avanza más rápido que la gobernanza global en su último informe de 2025, mientras que El Informe sobre el futuro del empleo 2025 del Foro Económico Mundial
mostró que los sectores culturales y creativos (SCC) sufrirán una disrupción significativa a medida que la automatización y la IA transformen los mercados laborales. A modo de respuesta, varios gobiernos han implementado nuevas leyes y establecido colaboraciones interministeriales y privadas para ayudar a mejorar las condiciones laborales del sector. Además, la UNESCO publicó su Marco revisado de estadísticas culturales 2025, desarrollado por un Grupo de Expertos(as) en el que participó IFACCA. Tras los 16 años transcurridos desde la versión de 2009, este esperado marco revisado aborda brechas históricas en datos comparativos y proporciona a los gobiernos y las agencias
culturales herramientas mejoradas para medir las contribuciones sociales y económicas de la cultura.
La construcción de paz y la protección de los(as) artistas y del patrimonio cultural en las zonas de conflicto es una prioridad, igual que el creciente compromiso para proteger lenguas y conocimientos indígenas. Se han logrado algunos avances desde la histórica adopción del Tratado de la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI) sobre propiedad intelectual, recursos genéticos y conocimientos tradicionales asociados. La República de Malawi se convirtió en el primer país en ratificar el tratado en diciembre del año pasado, y la República de Uganda fue el segundo en hacerlo en agosto de este año.
El medio ambiente y el papel de la cultura en la acción climática continúan siendo el centro de atención este año, con la cultura en un papel fundamental en la 30ª Conferencia de las Partes (COP30) en Belén, Brasil. Cabe destacar que, en la COP30, la cultura se incluyó por primera vez en la agenda oficial de acción climática, lo que pone de relieve el creciente reconocimiento de la cultura en los debates sobre el clima. Esto se basa en el impulso de la reciente Declaración de Barcelona del Grupo de Amigos(as) para la Acción Climática Basada en la Cultura en MONDIACULT 2025.
Entrando en el próximo cuarto de siglo, debemos abordar con urgencia los retos globales, para lo que serán claves la cooperación internacional y el multilateralismo. La cultura está en el corazón de quienes somos y de cómo imaginamos nuestro futuro compartido: la cultura es nuestra brújula. El camino por delante exige garantizar la inversión pública y privada, abordar las barreras estructurales que sufren las instituciones culturales y apoyar planes legales, institucionales y financieros, incluyendo mejores protecciones para quienes trabajan en el sector cultural, los derechos culturales y el conocimiento tradicional. La cultura siempre ha dado forma al futuro y, en 2026 y más allá, debemos seguir construyendo el andamiaje para sostenerla. La intensidad del diálogo en los últimos doce meses debe transformarse ahora en acciones concretas.
Lea la versión completa de nuestra perspectiva sobre 2025 aquí.
|
|
|
Nuevo Miembro Nacional: Departamento de Cultura, Ministerio del Interior, Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente, Gobierno de Tuvalu
|
 |
|
Nos complace enormemente dar la bienvenida al Departamento de Cultura del Ministerio del Interior, Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente (MHACCE) del Gobierno de Tuvalu como nuevo Miembro Nacional de la Federación.
El Departamento de Cultura se estableció en 1978, reflejando la visión de los fundadores de la nación, quienes consagraron la cultura como uno de los pilares fundamentales de la Constitución de Tuvalu.
El Departamento de Cultura opera actualmente bajo varios marcos rectores, entre los que figuran:
-
El Área Prioritaria Estratégica 4 de Te Kete
-
La Prioridad 18 de las 21 Prioridades Nacionales
-
El Plan Corporativo MHACCE 2024–2027
-
La Política Nacional de Cultura de Tuvalu
A nivel regional, el Departamento de Cultura representa a Tuvalu como miembro del Consejo de Artes y Cultura del Pacífico, trabajando en estrecha colaboración con la Comunidad del Pacífico (SPC) para impulsar las industrias culturales del Pacífico. El Departamento está implementando activamente los objetivos de la Estrategia Regional de Cultura, invirtiendo en las culturas del Pacífico y asegurando la visibilidad y compromiso de Tuvalu con las plataformas culturales regionales. El aumento de personal y financiamiento, son prerrequisitos vitales para fortalecer la presencia de Tuvalu y acceder a las importantes oportunidades de financiamiento disponibles para la cultura en toda la región e internacionalmente.
A nivel internacional, Tuvalu ha adoptado diversas medidas para adaptar su marco legislativo a las convenciones internacionales. Tuvalu es Estado Parte de la Convención para la Salvaguardia del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de 2003 y de la Convención sobre la Protección del Patrimonio Mundial, Cultural y Natural de 1972, ambas de la UNESCO. Ambas Convenciones son fundamentales para la protección de los conocimientos tradicionales y los lugares históricos. Depositar los instrumentos de ratificación es un hito significativo, particularmente en que la salvaguardia del patrimonio cultural está estrechamente relacionada con la resiliencia de Tuvalu frente al cambio climático y el aumento del nivel del mar.
|
|
|
Panamá transmite a Colombia su experiencia en la implementación de Tratado de Marrakech
Ministerio de Cultura de Panamá, 3 December 2025
Panamá, junto a otros países, participó de una mesa de trabajo, a solicitud de la República de Colombia, con el objetivo de compartir su experiencia en la implementación del Tratado de Marrakech. La directora nacional de Derecho de Autor del Ministerio de Cultura, Maidys Chen Góndola, participó en este intercambio de buenas prácticas.
|
|
|
Informe estadístico Día de los Patrimonios 2025
Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Chile, 25 November 2025
El presente informe incluye los principales resultados del Día de los Patrimonios 2025 celebrado los días sábado 24 y domingo 25 de mayo, con foco en las organizaciones participantes, las actividades realizadas y la cantidad de visitas efectuadas que marcaron esta versión del evento.
|
|
|
|
|
