The Cultural Futures Forum 2027, organized by Salzburg Global Seminar, invites leaders, artists, cultural practitioners, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals working in or connected to the cultural and creative sectors to explore the future of creative work. Titled “Whose Creative Labor Counts?”, the forum will examine how artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital platforms, and changing labor markets are reshaping creative industries worldwide.

The in-person program will take place in Salzburg, Austria, from March 14–19, 2027. The organizers offer a number of scholarships to help selected participants cover program participation costs, accommodation, meals, and, in some cases, travel expenses. Applications are open to qualified candidates from different countries, professional backgrounds, and career stages.

About the Cultural Futures Forum

Creative industries are evolving rapidly as new technologies change how artistic and cultural work is produced, distributed, and valued. However, many artists and cultural workers continue to face unstable incomes, limited social protection, and uncertain career opportunities.

The Cultural Futures Forum aims to bring together an international and intergenerational group of participants to discuss these challenges and develop practical ideas for making creative work more equitable and sustainable.

Participants will exchange perspectives, explore new approaches, and build relationships that can support their work beyond the program. The initiative also aims to develop an ongoing international network, online peer-learning opportunities, and open-access resources highlighting insights from each annual forum.

Benefits of the Cultural Futures Forum 2027

Selected participants may benefit from the following opportunities:

• Scholarship support: A number of scholarships are available to cover program participation costs, accommodation, and meals.
• Possible travel assistance: Travel support may be available for selected participants, depending on their circumstances and scholarship arrangements.
• International networking: Connect with artists, cultural leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology professionals, and other practitioners from different regions.
• Collaborative learning: Exchange ideas and develop approaches to challenges affecting cultural and creative workers.
• Professional development: Explore how emerging technologies, labor policies, and institutional practices influence the future of creative work.
• Long-term engagement: Join a continuing international network with opportunities for online discussions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Practical impact: Apply the ideas, relationships, and insights gained through the forum to projects, organizations, and communities.

Please note that scholarships are limited, and financial support is subject to selection and the terms offered by the organizers.

Eligibility Criteria

The forum welcomes applications from people exercising leadership in or connected to cultural and creative work. Applicants may come from a range of professional and disciplinary backgrounds, including:

• Artists, creative professionals, and independent cultural practitioners.
• Cultural and community organizers and worker representatives.
• Researchers, educators, and academics.
• Policymakers and professionals working on labor and cultural policy.
• Technology professionals and individuals exploring the impact of AI and digital platforms.
• Entrepreneurs, funders, and institutional leaders involved in the creative economy.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience, meaningful engagement with challenges facing the cultural and creative sectors, the ability to contribute to peer learning, and the potential to apply the forum’s insights in their wider work.

The organizers aim to curate a diverse international group, with particular attention to perspectives that have historically been underrepresented in cultural leadership and decision-making.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit an online application through the official Salzburg Global Seminar recruitment page.

Application steps:

1. Visit the official application page using the link below.
2. Complete the personal, professional, and organizational information requested.
3. Upload your CV or resume.
4. Answer three written questions, each with a maximum of 250 words, covering your professional background, a current initiative or challenge, and the perspectives you would contribute to the group.
5. Record a video response of up to two minutes explaining the question about the future of creative work you most want to explore, why it matters in your context, and how the program could strengthen your work.
6. Indicate whether you require financial support and provide the requested scholarship justification, if applicable.
7. Review your application and submit it before the deadline.

The selection process considers the relevance of an applicant’s work, their experience and perspectives, their contribution to collaborative learning, and their potential to apply the program’s outcomes.