The Cultural Investment Conference is a premier global platform designed to unlock investment opportunities in the cultural sector.
While spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious cultural plans as a key case study, the conference will showcase opportunities in emerging markets worldwide.
By positioning cultural investment as a powerful driver of economic growth and diversification, the conference aims to foster global partnerships and unlock new funding pathways.
Positioning culture as an attractive investment opportunity and highlighting culture's potential as an economic driver, contributing to tourism growth, job creation, and regional development.
This pillar will also present Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for such investments.
Examining innovative investment mechanisms to capitalize on cultural opportunities, particularly in emerging markets but informed by geographies with different cultural maturity.
The focus will be on maximizing ROI, mitigating risk, and ultimately strengthening the cultural infrastructure for sustained growth in the sector.
Emphasizing the need for inclusive and collaborative investment approaches that promote global cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
This pillar will investigate how strengthening international relations through the global nature of art and culture can be a transformative power of diplomacy that unites us all.
Unlocking New Investment Opportunities
Measuring Financial and Cultural Impact
The Role of Private Wealth in Cultural Growth
Tech, AI, and Cultural Investment Models
Strategies for Global Confidence
Supporting Cultural Startups and Innovation
Bridging Nations and Markets
Partnering for Scale
Financing Influence and Global Identity
Equity in Cultural Funding
CEO, Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Chairman of the Board, Christie’s
Co-Founder & CEO, Arte Collectum
Founder & Chairman, Art Jameel; Vice Chairman, International, Abdul Latif Jameel
Philanthroproneur, Scott Stover Inc.
CEO, Sotheby's
Founder & Chairman, Genesis Foundation
CEO, Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Chairman of the Board, Christie’s
Co-Founder & CEO, Arte Collectum
Founder & Chairman, Art Jameel; Vice Chairman, International, Abdul Latif Jameel
Philanthroproneur, Scott Stover Inc.
CEO, Sotheby's
Founder & Chairman, Genesis Foundation
The Cultural Investment Conference is a global platform convening investors, policymakers, cultural leaders, and creatives to reframe as an attractive investment opportunity. Held in Riyadh, the conference explores bold financing models, strategic partnerships, and the evolving role of cultural capital in driving economic growth, national identity, and global influence.
Visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/riyadh to learn more.
Attendance is by invitation or approved application. If you have not received a formal invitation, you are welcome to submit an expression of interest. All submissions will be thoughtfully reviewed, with participation confirmed based on alignment with the conference’s themes and professional relevance.
Spots are limited, with priority given to professionals in investment, policy, philanthropy, and the creative industries.
The conference will be held at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Cultural Investment Conference takes place on Monday and Tuesday, 29–30 September 2025.
1- Unlocking New Investment Opportunities
Exploring emerging markets and untapped sectors in the cultural economy.
2- The ROI of Culture
Measuring both financial returns and broader cultural impact.
3- Mobilizing Philanthropy
Highlighting the role of private wealth in advancing cultural growth.
4- Financing the Future of Culture
From AI to immersive tech — the new frontiers of cultural investment.
5- De-risking Cultural Investments
Tools and strategies to boost investor confidence.
6- Creative Entrepreneurship
Supporting cultural startups, SMEs, and innovation ecosystems.
7- Global Cultural Investment Funds
Building cross-border vehicles to scale cultural capital.
8- Reimagining Public Funding
Innovative partnerships that move public investment beyond grants.
9- Cultural Diplomacy
Positioning culture as a tool for influence and international engagement.
10 - The Economics of Inclusion
Advancing equity and representation in how culture is funded.
