Dominique Alba is an accomplished architect with over four decades of experience spanning both private practice and public service in Paris and Greater Paris. She began her career at the renowned Jean Nouvel & Gilbert Lezenes agency, later contributing to rural development programs across Africa and Latin America. Her early commitment to sustainable development also included collaborations with the École des Mines de Paris. From 1986, she co-led architectural projects in France with Philippe Roux, while simultaneously teaching at leading engineering and architecture schools. In the early 2000s, Dominique transitioned into public service with the Mairie de Paris, where she led architecture and urban renewal efforts. In 2003, she was appointed General Manager of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, the center for urban planning and architecture in Paris. She went on to serve as Deputy Director and later Director of the Atelier Parisien d’Urbanisme (APUR), overseeing major urban planning projects that shaped the future of the metropolitan region. Dominique Alba currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ateliers Jean Nouvel, returning to her roots in architectural innovation at one of the world’s most celebrated design firms.

Guillaume Cerutti is a French business executive and former senior civil servant. He is the chairman of Christie's auction house since 2023. In 2025 succeeded François Pinault as president of the Pinault Collection. He was managing director of the Centre Georges Pompidou from 1996 and 2001. From 2002 to 2004, he served as chief of staff for the French Minister of Culture Jean-Jacques Aillagon, and afterwards worked in France's Finance Ministry. He was the chief executive officer of Sotheby's France from 2007 to 2011 and deputy chairman of Sotheby's Europe until 2015, and CEO of Christie's from 2017 to 2025.

Jonas Höglund is co-founder and CEO of Arte Collectum - the first company in the Nordics to manage funds, with units registered with Euroclear and publicly traded, focused on acquiring artworks by women and minorities and actively managed by lending to leading museums and exhibitions worldwide. Prior to Arte Collectum, he founded the investment advising firm Kapitalinvest, worked at two investment firms in Sweden with overall responsibility for providing and selling various investment products to distributors and as an Agent at New York Life Insurance Company in the U.S. Before his career in finance, he was a NCAA Division 1 tennis scholarship athlete at University of Texas at San Antonio where he graduated with a BBA in Management with an International Business Concentration. In 1998 he was fortunate to win the European Team Championships for Boys 16 and Under.

Fady Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel is the Vice Chairman, International, Abdul Latif Jameel, a family-owned diversified business founded in 1945 by the late Abdul Latif Jameel. Mr. Jameel heads the international operations of the Abdul Latif Jameel network of businesses across the MENAT region, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and is a board member. Fady is a keen proponent of both investing in current and emergent green technologies and policy development to address the climate crisis. This includes Abdul Latif Jameel’s flagship renewable energy business, FRV; Almar Water Solutions; and a number of JIMCO investments in electric vehicles and aviation, fusion energy, regenerative farming, and voluntary carbon credits. Fady also writes on climate issues in his online Spotlight articles. Through his role as Vice Chairman, Community Jameel, working with evidence-based evaluation from J-PAL, he is also interested in strengthening data and rigorous evidence within the ESG space, helping hold the public and private sectors accountable on their pledges, and determining the impact of emissions trading schemes on improving air pollution, a major contributor to mortality rates. Community Jameel also supports J-PAL and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (a network of around 100 mayors tackling the climate crisis) to embed climate action labs at national, state, and city governments in Egypt, Gujarat, Amman, Cape Town, and Chennai. Mr. Jameel is also heavily involved in the Jameel family’s arts and culture program and is the Chairman and Founder of Art Jameel. His passion and appreciation for art have led him to create a number of successful art initiatives and partnerships, including with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Art Jameel recently announced the development of two major art centers, including the Hayy Jameel Creative Hub in Saudi Arabia, which opened in December 2022, joining the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which opened in November 2018. These centers serve as a platform to support and foster contemporary art and creative entrepreneurship within the MENAT region and beyond. Mr. Jameel is also a member of the Council for the Arts at MIT. In July 2025, Fady Jameel was awarded the distinction of Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Ministry of Culture, France’s prestigious honors system which acknowledges those enabling and making considerable global cultural impact. In the same system, Mohammed Jameel, Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, was awarded Commandeur, the highest distinction, marking the first father-son duo to receive the honor in its history.

Scott Stover is the founder and principal of Scott Stover Inc., a Los Angeles/Paris–based strategy, management, and organization consultancy specializing in culture and the arts. His firm collaborates with individuals, foundations, cultural institutions, government agencies, artists, and art businesses to build sustainable systems and financially robust venture philanthropy models focused on measurable, long‑term impact. Stover holds an A.B. and M.B.A. from Columbia University and pursued graduate studies in semiology and art history at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris. As an investment banker at Continental Illinois, Bank of America, and Westdeutsche Landesbank, he led project finance teams across North and sub‑Saharan Africa and pioneered special‑situations investing in Europe. In 2005, he founded what became Scott Stover Inc., guiding strategic planning, private foundation creation, and donor development. Stover revived the Centre Pompidou Foundation, led the Cahiers d’Art Institute, and continues to advocate for venture philanthropy aligned with millennial values. A Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and host of the “Giving Back Is Dead” podcast, Stover is a recognized voice shaping the future of arts and philanthropy.

Charles Stewart has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s since October 2019. Under his leadership, Sotheby’s is expanding access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through its global marketplace. Sotheby's seeks to balance the power of its 280-year heritage while embracing innovation and technology to fuel its future. Prior to joining Sotheby’s, Mr. Stewart served as Co-President and Chief Financial Officer of Altice USA, which he helped establish as a leading telecommunications provider. In 2017, he helped deliver the company’s successful $2.1 billion initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Stewart joined Altice USA after two decades of investment banking experience spanning the U.S., Latin America and Europe. During his seven years in London, he served as CEO of Itaú BBA International plc, the international arm of the largest bank in Latin America. Prior to that, he spent 19 years in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in various client and leadership roles. Mr. Stewart is a graduate of Yale University and lives in New York City with his wife and three children. He serves on the boards of the Coalition for College, Prep for Prep, and the Partnership for New York City.

John Studzinski CBE is Vice Chairman of investment management firm PIMCO, helping advance its global strategy and acting as a strategic advisor to clients around the world. He was formerly vice chairman, investor relations and business development at Blackstone, head of European investment banking at Morgan Stanley, and deputy chairman of Morgan Stanley International. A committed and highly active philanthropist, he is founder and chairman of the Genesis Foundation, a UK-based charity which nurtures the careers of emerging artists. He is also co-founder of the Arise Foundation, which partners with local networks to combat human trafficking, and vice-chair emeritus of Human Rights Watch. A dual citizen of the USA and UK, John Studzinski holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in Maine. In 2008, the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List named him Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the arts and charity.

Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. He is also an author, journalist, editorial board member of Al Arabiya news channel, and deputy chairman of the Saudi Journalists Association. A journalist for over 20 years, he has written for Semafor, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, The Huffington Post, and Asharq Al-Awsat. Abbas has been awarded numerous prizes for his efforts to bridge the communication gap between the West and the Arab world. His recently published book, Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile, is a bestseller in Saudi Arabia.

Rooted in Africa’s creative economy, Blessing Ebere Achu is an ecosystem architect and business strategist shaping the continent’s fashion future. As Founder and MD of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, she has enabled over 5,000 designers through tailored training, production access, and global market entry. Her second venture, Idozi Collective, curates and showcases sustainable African fashion brands through luxury retail and digital channels. With 14 years’ experience across enterprise software, telecoms, and business development, she brings operational precision to creative enterprise. She is a fellow of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC)and the Cherie Blair Foundation, and an alumna of France’s Séjour Culture and Spain’s Texinnova acceleration programs. She also serves as Finance Director at Innovation Support Network, strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. Blessing holds a Bachelor’s in Education, an MBA, and a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship. She is a mentor, advocate, and storyteller, committed to birthing globally respected ‘Made-in-Africa’ brands.

David Adjaye is a Ghanaian-British architect internationally acclaimed for his transformative contributions to contemporary architecture. In 2000, he founded Adjaye Associates, a global practice with studios in Accra, London, and New York. Adjaye’s most renowned project to date is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2016. The project was named Cultural Event of the Year by The New York Times and cemented his global reputation. In 2017, Adjaye was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. He received the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal, one of the highest honours in British architecture, awarded for significant contributions to the field internationally. In 2022, he was appointed to the Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen, recognising his distinguished service in architecture. Adjaye is also a recipient of the World Economic Forum’s 27th Annual Crystal Award, acknowledging his leadership in using architecture to serve communities, cities, and the environment.

Arwa Al Ali is a Senior Advisor for the Ministry of Culture and The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) where she has been instrumental in delivering two inaugural international Biennales and advising on strategy, partnerships and international affairs. She is also the Founder and CEO of Creative Pathways, an advisory firm that specializes in creative and tourism industries. Her background combines over 20 +years of expertise in culture, public policy, and institutional development establishing flagship institutions in the Middle East and Africa for governments, non-profits and start-ups. Her global work experience includes, establishing a film commission, founding a sharing economy technology start-up, developing international strategic partnerships for UNICEF, and launching a leadership university. Arwa is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Mai Al Busairi is the founder and principal architect of Parallel Studio, a Kuwait‑based architectural firm she established in 2015. Known for her innovative, inclusive, and sustainable projects that champion creativity and social responsibility, she brings a human‑centered approach to the built environment. She has received international recognition for her socially driven design approach. As a leading female figure in a male‑dominated field, Al Busairi is driven by ethics, persistence, and a deep sense of altruism—values she advances through the Parallel Gives program. Her work empowers women, supports youth and vulnerable communities, and makes design more accessible. She was awarded the Iron A’ Design Award for Mariam’s Library in Zanzibar in the Social Design category, held in Italy, and was nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, recognizing her impact in socially responsive design. Passionate about pushing architectural boundaries, she seamlessly blends innovation with inclusivity to create spaces that inspire and uplift. Al Busairi’s personal brand reflects her unwavering commitment to social impact, reliability, and purpose‑driven design—shaping a brighter, more equitable future, one space at a time.

Aya Al-Bakree is the CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF), a not-for-profit cultural organization chaired by His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and mandated to stage two world-class biennales in Saudi Arabia, alternating between contemporary and Islamic arts and revitalizing the JAX District. At the heart of the Foundation’s strategy is a mission to foster artistic cross-fertilization by connecting Saudi Arabia to international cultural discourse, to elevate artistic practice through an unwavering commitment to curatorial excellence and to provide vast educational public programs for participants of all ages and backgrounds. As a passionate advocate for the arts and the adaptive reuse of urban venues into cultural spaces, Aya has overseen the successful launch of two-city inaugural biennale editions at the JAX district in the historical Diriyah, and the iconic Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, both of which showcased the works of diverse local and international artists and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in 2021 was recognized as the first dedicated biennale in Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah was the first of its kind in world history. Together, DBF's biennales have drawn a visitation rate of almost 1,000,000 visitors. Prior to her appointment as CEO at the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and after earning her Global Communications degree at the American University in Paris in 2011 where she also completed a year-long exchange program at Parsons, Aya has held strategic roles in fostering local and international artistic exchange at leading contemporary art galleries in France and Saudi Arabia. Bringing over a decade’s experience in the arts, Aya continues to forge opportunities to promote local artistic expression on international platforms and to collaborate with local artists, galleries, patrons, and collectors in Saudi Arabia and internationally. She is often invited to speak and share her insights on international and regional platforms including the Culture Summit, the Future Investment Institute and Art Basel Conversations, among others.

Dr. Jasir S. Alherbish holds a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and a B.Sc. from King Saud University. He has served in key leadership roles, including Deputy Minister for Scholarship Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Senior Education Adviser at the Ministry of Investment, and currently as CEO of the Heritage Commission under the Ministry of Culture. He also serves as a board member across several government authorities.

Hatem Al-Shahri is the founder of Harf Literary Agency and the first literary agent in Saudi Arabia. He is a poet and writer with 18 published books, which have been translated into more than 11 languages. Hatem is the recipient of two international poetry awards from Spain and Sweden, and he has presented poetry evenings in Spain, Italy, Germany, China, South Africa, Sweden, and Egypt. He serves as a member of the Advisory Committee for the English Literature Program at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and was a judge for both the Riyadh International Book Fair Award (2022) and the Schools Slam Competition at the African Poetry Festival (2024). Hatem is currently pursuing graduate studies in mass communication.

Riyadh Hamad Al-Zamil is a serial entrepreneur who currently invests in over 50 diverse ventures across the GCC and is on the board of 15 different social organisations and joint stock companies. He served on the board of trustees of the Riyadh Center for SME development and is also on the investment board of Dhahran Techno Valley, the advisory boards of Hafr-Al-Batin University and the Islamic economic institute at King Abdulaziz University. Riyadh invented and practices an innovative financial model, “Solidarity investment”, taking place under the umbrella of “Raz Holding Group”.

Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Alwasel has led the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission as CEO since January 2025, driving forward a bold cultural vision that positions the Kingdom as a global literary and publishing hub. His leadership focuses on innovation, global collaboration, and expanding the Kingdom’s creative economy, advancing literature and translation as key pillars of cultural diplomacy and development. Previously, he served as General Manager of the Publishing Sector’s General Department, where he led the organization of major national book fairs, coordinated the Commission’s participation in leading international exhibitions, and launched several high-impact initiatives. Dr. Alwasel has a background in academia as an Assistant Professor at King Saud University in Riyadh and has held leadership roles at the Center for Political & Strategic Studies.

Hatem Alakeel is a Saudi fashion designer and cultural entrepreneur, widely recognised for reshaping traditional Arab menswear through his brand Toby by Hatem, launched in 2006. His modern take on the traditional thobe earned international acclaim, positioning it as a symbol of contemporary Arab identity. Beyond fashion, Alakeel is the founder of Authenticité, a Saudi based consultancy and creative agency that helps brands navigate and enter the regional market. He also launched Gems of Arabia, a media platform and podcast celebrating Saudi and Arab creativity through cultural storytelling, interviews, and collaborations. With over 20 years of experience, Alakeel’s work bridges heritage and innovation, creating meaningful dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the global stage. Through each of his ventures, he remains committed to empowering local voices and reframing regional narratives for the world.

Sawsan Albahiti, artist and coach, is considered Saudi Arabia's leading opera singer. She has performed on a number of international and local stages, including London, Berlin, Riyadh and AlUla. She founded her own vocal coaching institute, The Soulful Voice, specializing in training professional and amateur singers in Saudi Arabia. She also worked as artistic manager at the Musical Commission within the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, and established the Saudi Arabian National Orchestra and Choir. She is currently enrolled in a specialized opera program at the Milan Conservatory, and is pursuing her career as a professional artist.

Lor Albrighi is the Co-CEO and Founder of SPIN — Smart Products Infrastructure Network, the leading operating system for luxury, art, and culture. Born in London in 1987 and raised between Florence and Milan, Lor developed a deep passion for design and Italian bespoke tailoring. He began his career as an apprentice tailor at the historic sartoria A. Caraceni in Milan, spending five years traveling and crafting suits for international aristocracy and industry leaders. In 2013, he founded his own tailoring house in Milan, ranked among the top three ateliers in the LVMH City Guide. He later secured funding from the Co-Founder of Net-a-Porter to launch his R&D lab, lablaco, in Singapore in 2016, focused on solving fashion’s critical issues—waste, digitization, and IP protection. Six years of R&D led to the creation of SPIN, founded in December 2024 in San Francisco. SPIN is a smart products operating system offering software and hardware infrastructure that connects real-world assets (RWAs) to decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs). Using on-chain RFID smart labels, SPIN links physical assets to its service ecosystem and extended reality (XR) applications. Key SPIN applications include the official European Union Digital Product Passport (DPP), a regulation that will require all textile products sold in the EU to be digitally tagged by 2027—projected to create demand for over 62.5 billion DPPs between 2025 and 2027. In 2025, Lor launched SMARTMERCH™, a smart-products-as-a-service offering custom apparel to Fortune 500 companies, startups, universities, music festivals, governments, and global conferences. SPIN’s clients and partners include Kering, Galeries Lafayette, H&M, Vogue, Paris Fashion Week, and Art Basel. Strategic alliances include NVIDIA, the European Union, and the French Ministry of Culture.

With more than 10 years’ experience in the fields of art, design, and innovation, her work focuses on developing creative initiatives and cultural assets, and establishing partnerships in line with the cultural strategy. This most recently took the form of Desert X AlUla, a curated exhibition integrated within the landscape of AlUla in partnership with Desert X. Aldabal began her career in the auction business then moved to Ithra, the Dhahran-based international cultural hub, where she served as Head of Museum, managing the development of the different galleries. She was part of the pilot team that launched a cultural diplomacy program to create an international platform to support Saudi talent globally. Aldabal’s other initiatives included a creative solutions program and international art exhibitions. In 2018, she joined the Saudi General Entertainment Authority as part of the sector development team with a focus on local content, where she worked on key cultural diplomacy programs. Aldabal obtained an MSc in Arts Management from Boston University and a BSc in Visual Communication from the American University of Sharjah.

Alfaddagh graduated with a degree from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2006. In 2009 she graduated with an MA in Global Studies from the same institution. In 2010 she began work as a curator at King AbdulAziz Center for World Culture. In May 2017 she was promoted to the role of Head of Museum and Exhibits there. She supported the development of Saudi Arabia's first children's museum, as well as co-founding the Ithra Art Prize. The prize is a partnership with Saudi Aramco. In 2018 she worked on the display of a 250 year old room which had been removed from a house in Damascus in 1978. It had been held in storage, until being shown at the museum for the first time. In January 2021, Alfaddagh was appointed director of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

Nada Alhelabi is a visionary leader shaping the music and entertainment scene in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. As a founding member of MDLBEAST and General Manager of its non-profit arm, she drives initiatives that champion community growth, sustainability, and innovation in music. With a master’s in Global Entertainment and Music Business from Berklee, Nada merges strategy with creativity. She leads flagship programs like XP Music Futures, XPERFORM, HUNNA, and XCHANGE, supporting emerging talent and promoting cultural exchange. Her work also focuses on hearing health awareness, launching the region’s first on-site testing clinic at music events. Beyond the foundation, she advises giga projects on creative destination development and mentors startups in the entertainment sector. Nada’s impact continues to position Saudi Arabia as a global cultural hub—building an inclusive, forward-thinking music ecosystem that empowers artists and inspires the world.

H.E. Dr. Alknawy obtained his MBBS from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Faculty of Medicine in June 1985 followed by full residency training in Internal Medicine in 1990 and obtained a Gastroenterology Fellowship in 1992 from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He holds a fellowship in Internal Medicine from the American and Canadian Boards, as well as the American Board Certification in Gastroenterology. In addition, H.E. Dr. Alknawy has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada since 1991. Since 2009 until present, H.E. Dr. Alknawy has been the CEO at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), an organization which comprises four medical cities in the four major regions of Saudi Arabia as well as holding the position of President at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdullah International Research Center (KAIMRC).

Mohammed Al-Wahaibi is an Industrial Engineer and a graduate of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He is an experienced broadcaster and interviewer specializing in economic affairs, with over eight years of professional media experience. As a presenter on Al Ekhbariya channel, he led three flagship programs, covering major national and international events and engaging with high-level leaders. He is also the host of Podcast Al-Ghurfa, where he has documented the legacy of leading national companies through in-depth interviews with over 40 of their top executives—earning him the 2024 Media Excellence Award for Best Podcast of the Year. In addition, Mohammed is the Co-founder, COO, and a media trainer at Thohoor, a company specializing in managing public appearances and training executives in effective media engagement.

Mayada Badr is a leading figure in Saudi Arabia’s culinary arts scene. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Design Management from Parsons School of Design (2005) and a Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts and Desserts from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (2009). Trained under the supervision of world-renowned chefs, she brings extensive expertise to the field. She is the founder of Pink Camel, a high-end patisserie in Jeddah, and a partner in two additional restaurants. Prior to her current role, Chef Mayada served as a culinary consultant and represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at numerous international events. Her academic and professional journey is marked by a blend of creative excellence and leadership across both design and gastronomy.

Colin B. Bailey has served as the Director of the Morgan Library & Museum since 2015. A scholar of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French art, he is a specialist of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and has been responsible for many publications and exhibitions. He was made an Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2010, and in 2020 was awarded the Prix du Rayonnement de la langue et de la littérature françaises by the Académie française. Among the many initiatives Bailey has spearheaded are the celebration of the Morgan’s centennial, the exterior restoration of J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library, and the inauguration of the Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships, created for promising schools from historically underrepresented communities in the curatorial and special collections fields.

Susanna Barla is a visionary entrepreneur and investor focused on transforming creative industries as Co-Founder of Creators Fund venture studio and soon to be fund, building an arts tech ecosystem developing startups at the intersection of art, technology and culture. She began her career in luxury fashion at Martin Margiela and has evolved to become a cultural entrepreneur and strategic adviser, building an unparalleled network of changemakers over the last decade. Drawing on her experience developing successful ventures, including a climate tech venture capital fund and platform in Silicon Valley, she co-founded Creators Fund to develop sustainable business frameworks for artistic innovation.The fund's flagship venture is Genesis 3.0, a pioneering world-building platform that unites renowned artists, scientists and designers (Marcus du Sautoy, Iris van Herpen and Gabriel Massan) with leading cultural institutions to create expansive creative worlds spanning physical and digital realms. The platform's innovative approach to elastic IP and sustainable revenue models is redefining how art is created, valued and experienced. As a recognized trend spotter at the intersection of art, technology and culture, she specializes in pioneering new economic models that empower creators while generating significant returns and positive impact, positioning the Creators Fund ecosystem at the vanguard of a cultural movement that enhances human and environmental well-being through creative collaboration.

Thomas Benski is an award-winning producer and entrepreneur, renowned for his innovative approach to developing creative talent and disrupting the media and content industries. He is the Founder and CEO of Lumina, a well-capitalized global media and entertainment holding company backing category-defining talent, studios, and brands at the intersection of content, community, and consumer. Founded in 2024, with a footprint across the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Lumina partners with visionary creatives to shift them from service to ownership, building platforms that drive long-term cultural and commercial value. Lumina’s portfolio includes Carrousel Studios, launched with Omar Sy and Louis Leterrier; Wayward Films, in partnership with director Yann Demange; and Magna Studios, a creative studio led by former Pulse Films executives Marisa Clifford and Davud Karbassioun, operating across scripted, non-fiction, branded, and music content. Beyond talent-led studios, Lumina invests in next-generation IP, culturally resonant consumer brands, and technology companies, including Strike, an IP-driven sports and kids & family brand; Perplexity, a leading AI company; Creators Corp, an award-winning video game studio and publisher; Hunza G, a globally scaled swimwear and lifestyle label; and a creator-first content and brand platform, soon to be announced. Prior to Lumina, Benski built and successfully exited one of the most innovative global independent studios of the past decade, Pulse Films. Its slate included American Honey (Cannes Jury Prize), Gangs of London (BAFTA-winning), Beastie Boys Story (Emmy-nominated), and No Distance Left to Run (Grammy-nominated), alongside groundbreaking work in branded entertainment and music. Guided by a belief in the power of creativity, brand building, and value of ownership, Benski continues to shape the future of entertainment by championing voices that challenge convention, building lasting cultural impact, and supporting the next generation of creative entrepreneurs through mentorship and nonprofit initiatives.

Dr Tilly Blyth is Executive Director of Collections and Curatorial at the Imperial War Museums, a role she took up in September 2025. Previously she was Director of the Weald and Downland Living Museum in the South Downs National Park, where she was instrumental in raising the profile of the museum, defining its vision and mission, and developing a new capital project for its landmark Gridshell building. Prior to this, she was Professor and Head of the School of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, where she played a leading role in advancing research into professional practice in the museum sector. Tilly worked for two decades at the Science Museum in London, where she became Head of Collections and Principal Curator at the Science Museum, leading the curatorial, library, archive and research functions to deliver award winning galleries and exhibitions; undertaking high-profile acquisitions, including Professor Stephen Hawking’s office; and providing curatorial strategy for the move of 300,000 objects from London to a new store in Wiltshire. Tilly is on English Heritage’s Blue Plaques panel and an experienced Board member for Bletchley Park Trust and the Museum Data Service.

Olivia Bourrat is a Franco-Chilean Chief Curator specializing in Early Modern Art and global art history. She holds Master’s degrees in Art History from the Sorbonne (Paris IV) and in History from École des hautes études en sciences sociales | EHESS. She graduated from the École du Louvre in 2004 and passed the competitive exam for curators in 2005, joining the National Heritage Institute (https://www.inp.fr/ ) for civil servant training. Her career includes leading the Conservation and Restoration Department at the Musée du quai Branly (2010–2014) and serving as Deputy and Curatorial Director at Agence France Museums for the Louvre Abu Dhabi project (2014–2020), where she contributed to museographic development, acquisitions, and the museum’s opening strategy. From 2020, she was Project Manager for International Cultural Collaboration at the French Ministry of Culture, overseeing major projects in Benin, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Mauritius, and Tunisia. Since September 2024, she serves as Cultural Attaché for Museums and Heritage at the French Embassy, with federal-level responsibilities.

Nicolas Bourriaud is a French curator and art critic, who has curated a great number of exhibitions and biennials all over the world. He is now director of Radicants, a cultural platform based in Paris. With Jérôme Sans, Bourriaud cofounded the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, where he served as codirector from 1999 to 2006. He was the Gulbenkian curator of contemporary art from 2007 to 2010 at Tate Britain in London. In 2009 he curated the fourth Tate Triennial, titled Altermodern He was the Director of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, an art school in Paris, France, from 2011 to 2015. From 2015 to 2021, he served as the director of Montpellier Contemporain (MO.CO.), an institution he helped create.

Basma Bouzo has cultivated a distinct passion for championing cultural narratives. This infatuation for storytelling led her to launch Saudi Arabia’s first English-language art and culture magazine, Oasis, alongside her sister Noura. Bouzo co-founded Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Saudi Design Week and is the co-founder and CEO of Saudi Design Festival. She has also represented Saudi Arabia globally as the co-curator of the National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 and co-curator and designer of the Saudi Pavilion in the inaugural edition of London Design Biennale 2016. Bouzo has gone on to co-found and lead &bouqu an experience-led cultural and creative consultancy that harnesses the power of storytelling to build strategies and execute high-impact projects at the intersection of creativity, arts, culture, design and innovation. She has worked with clients such as Google, Facebook, Ministry of Culture, The Royal Commission for AlUla, Qiddiya, General Entertainment Authority, General Sports Authority, Snøhetta, PEPSICO, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Adidas, Nike, King Faisal Foundation, Ministry of Economy and Planning, and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

Laura Callanan, founding partner of Upstart Co-Lab, was senior deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, leading all grant-making programs, operations, and research before launching Upstart Co-Lab in 2015. As a consultant with McKinsey & Company’s Social Sector Office, Laura led work on social innovation, sustainable capitalism, and social impact assessment. She previously served as senior adviser at the United Nations Development Programme; executive director of the Prospect Hill Foundation; and associate director at the Rockefeller Foundation where, in addition to her responsibilities managing the endowment, she co-led the Foundation’s first impact investing efforts which included two investments in the creative economy: Smithsonian Folkways Records and netomat. Laura is a board member and past chair for GlobalGiving Foundation, and recently completed her service as a board member of Upriver Studios, a public benefit LLC; and a member of the Global Creative Economy Council, supported by the British Council. She has been a visiting fellow at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, a scholar-in-residence at UC-Berkeley/Haas School of Business, a visiting scholar to the American Academy in Rome, the recipient of a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellowship, and an adjunct professor at the New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Charalampos Chaitas is an internationally leader in culture, creative industries, and placemaking, with a proven track record of shaping policy, establishing institutions, and delivering large-scale cultural and tourism ecosystems. His work spans municipal to national levels, integrating public space, education, innovation, and cultural infrastructure into cohesive, future-ready strategies that unlock value chains and drive sustainable growth. As a trusted advisor to heads of state, ministries, and global entities, Chaitas has led pivotal reforms in legislation, institutional development, and public funding, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and long-term resilience in cultural and creative economies. He is particularly known for transforming complex environments into high-performing ecosystems. Combining strategic vision with operational discipline, he fosters cross-sector collaboration and innovation, positioning culture and creativity as powerful engines for economic opportunity, market development, and social impact.

Chris Cummings is the Founder & CEO of Iconic, a global agency centered at the intersection of culture and technology. Iconic is the creator of Iconic Worlds, a 3D digital twin platform that transforms real-world cultural and commercial spaces into immersive, explorable digital environments. Iconic is also the creator of Iconic Moments, the premier platform for helping cultural institutions, artists, and brands unlock new value through digital innovation. Under his leadership, Iconic has launched partnerships and campaigns with institutions such as P&G, Porsche, the White House Historical Association, Art Basel, the Jackson Pollock Studio, the Norman Rockwell Estate, and the Museum of Art & Light. His work sits at the intersection of culture, technology, and storytelling, pioneering new models for engagement, monetization, and preservation. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Chris has helped shape conversations around the future of museums, digital art, and cultural investment. Prior to founding Iconic, he practiced federal law and worked in venture capital. He holds degrees in Political Science, International Relations, and a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University.

Maya El Khalil is an independent curator based in Oxford, UK. As founding director of Athr Gallery in Jeddah from 2009–2016, she pioneered exhibition approaches and cultural exchange in the absence of local public art institutions, making significant contributions to the establishment and development of a contemporary art scene in Saudi Arabia. For the last decade, she has continued to work with artists, collectors, and institutions to develop the identity and ideas that have defined an art scene, participating in multiple artist mentorship programs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. El Khalil is currently collaborating with international institutions on progressive socially engaged exhibitions, developing multidisciplinary conversations that address the environmental and climate emergency, including the ongoing digital platform Take Me to the River in collaboration with Goethe Institut and Prince Claus Fund. El Khalil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the American University of Beirut. She is enrolled in MA Art and Politics at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Vernon worked for 41 years at Accenture, becoming head of EMEAI and then International Chairman. He left in 2010 to become Chair of the British Council. He was also on the board of FTI Consulting for 12 years. In the arts, he has chaired English National Opera, National Opera Studio, the Leeds International Piano Competition and Britten Pears Arts. He currently chairs Live Music Now. A particular interest is how to increase philanthropy and bring new capital to the arts. He founded and led New Philanthropy for Arts and Culture which merged with Arts and Culture Finance to form Figurative, of which he is a Trustee. In 2001 he established the Vernon Ellis Foundation where the focus is on the social impact of the arts. Also, through his Foundation, he hosted around 80–90 concerts a year between 2005 and 2017 at his London home in support of musicians' and music organisations' development.

Raneem Farsi is a Saudi Curator and Art Advisor. She is the Co-Founder of AR Art Advisory, a multidisciplinary Art Consultancy serving the art sector in multiple aspects including Curatorial Services, Art Consultation, Art Project Management, Collection Management and Acquisitions, as well as Art Strategy Development. Farsi Started her career in 2010 focusing on Saudi Art and Artists; curating seminal exhibitions that have played a pivotal role in the development of Saudi Art locally and its representation internationally including the UK, France and USA, as well as regionally in Dubai and Kuwait, shedding new light on the depth, variety and history of Saudi art, with her most recent exhibition Desert X Al-Ula which introduced a new genre of Art Exhibitions to the region by being the first site-specific Land Art Exhibition in the Middle East. Farsi sits on the board of The Saudi Art Council and is a member of its curatorial committee. She also consultants a number of private and public entities, assisting towards the institutionalization of the nascent arts infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Valéry Freland is the Executive Director of the Geneva-based ALIPH Foundation. In this capacity, he created the ALIPH Secretariat in 2018 and has since managed this new organization and contributed to the definition and implementation of its strategy for heritage protection in conflict and post-conflict areas. In seven years, ALIPH has supported 550 projects in 54 countries. Valéry Freland is a career diplomat of French nationality. In the past, he has held various positions at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, notably in the field of cultural diplomacy, including as Culture and Audiovisual Advisor at the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union in Brussels (2007–2009). He was also Diplomatic Advisor to the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Frédéric Mitterrand (2009–2010). Prior to joining ALIPH, Valéry Freland was Consul General of France in Boston (2015–2018). He is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École Nationale d'Administration (“Senghor” class), and holds a master’s degree in law (Panthéon-Sorbonne). He is an Officer of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Andreas Görgen is secretary general of the German Federal Ministry for Culture and the Media. After completing a law degree, he began his professional career at the Berliner Ensemble theater in 1996. Having worked between Germany and France in the fields of culture and industry, he secured a scholarship to study at the École Nationale d’Administration in Strasbourg and transitioned to the public financing of films. He subsequently worked in a number of consultancy roles with the German government, including the Federal Ministry for Culture and Media, the Federal Chancellery Europe Department and the Federal Foreign Office. Between 2009 and 2013, Mr. Görgen served in senior roles in the energy sector with Siemens South West Europe before returning to the Federal Foreign Office, where he was head of department for culture and communication for seven years.

Hanouf Houthan leads the Innovation General Department at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, where she oversees national efforts to integrate innovation across the cultural sector. Her work focuses on building sustainable & innovative programs, platforms, and products that support creative experimentation and expand cultural engagement through emerging technologies and new formats. Her portfolio includes initiatives in immersive storytelling, AI for culture sector growth, public programming, and talent engagement—aimed at creating meaningful, future-facing cultural experiences. She also plays a key role in advancing the Ministry’s approach to human-centered design and collaborative innovation.

Mohamed Islam is the presenter of The Mo Show Podcast, a series of English-language video podcasts aspiring to provide an insight into what day-to-day life in Saudi Arabia is like. The Mo Show Podcast is Saudi Arabia’s first English podcast to host leading Saudi male and female personalities across industries, entrepreneurs, journalists and expats who live in or have visited Saudi Arabia to talk about their personal journeys, inspirations, and the Kingdom itself. Conversations range from topics such as health and nutrition to fashion and e-commerce. The podcast also focuses on developments in the country, including women’s empowerment and their rapidly growing role in the Kingdom. Started by Islam during the pandemic lockdown, the idea for the podcast was conceived following his observation of American podcasters and was inspired by his desire to correct common misconceptions about his country.

David Joselit began his career as a curator at The ICA in Boston from 1983-1989. He has taught at the University of California, Irvine, Yale University, and the CUNY Graduate Center. He is currently Arthur Kingsley Porter Professor and Chair of Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard. Joselit is author of Infinite Regress: Marcel Duchamp 1910-1941 (MIT, 1998), American Art Since 1945 (Thames and Hudson, 2003), Feedback: Television Against Democracy (MIT, 2007), and After Art (Princeton University Press, 2012). He co-organized the exhibition, “Painting 2.0: Expression in the Information Age,” which opened at the Brandhorst Museum in Munich in 2015. Joselit is an editor of the journal OCTOBER and writes regularly on contemporary art and culture. His book Heritage and Debt: Art in Globalization (MIT Press 2020) won the 2021 Robert Motherwell Book Award. His most recent book is Art's Properties (Princeton University Press, 2023).

Mohammed Khoja is a Saudi designer and creative visionary, celebrated for founding the luxury fashion label HINDAMME. Known for blending contemporary design with elements of Arab heritage, his work bridges traditional cultural narratives with modern aesthetics. Khoja’s designs often incorporate rich symbolism, sustainability, and innovative techniques, earning him recognition both regionally and internationally. Khoja launched HINDAMME in 2016, introducing the brand as a pioneer in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning fashion scene. The brand is distinguished by its bold statement pieces, intricate embroidery, and storytelling-driven collections, often exploring themes of identity, heritage, and modernity. Among his most iconic works is the “AlUla” collection—the first to pay homage to the ancient civilizations of AlUla in a contemporary format. As a designer, Khoja has represented Saudi Arabia on global platforms, with many of his pieces held in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and the National Museum of World Cultures in the Netherlands. His dedication to sustainable practices and innovative use of materials reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while honoring cultural roots. With an educational background in international relations and a passion for art and design, Khoja brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work, allowing him to craft designs that resonate with diverse audiences. His collaborations with governmental organizations and cultural institutions further emphasize his influence in elevating Saudi design on the global stage. In addition to his fashion endeavours, Khoja is an advocate for the region’s creative industries, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace their heritage while championing innovation.

Scott Lynn is the Founder and CEO of Masterworks, the first platform to allow investors to buy and trade shares in blue-chip art. A lifelong entrepreneur and one of the country’s leading art collectors, Scott started his first company at 15 and dropped out of college to launch Treeloot.com, which became the most visited game site online during the dot-com boom. He later founded Adknowledge, which grew into one of the largest ad marketplaces with $300M in revenue. He also launched Payability, providing over $3B in financing to e-commerce sellers. Scott began collecting art at 20, eventually amassing a top 100 U.S. collection featuring works by Pollock and de Kooning. His pieces have been exhibited at institutions like MoMA and the Guggenheim. Masterworks was born from his belief that art, with its strong risk-adjusted returns, should be accessible to all investors—not just the ultra-wealthy.

Ahmed Mater is a doctor–turned–artist who uses photography, film, video art, and text alongside traditional techniques such as painting and calligraphy. Mater's work is held in the collections of the British Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Centre Pompidou, the Dalloul Art Foundation, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Nadour Collection, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. In 2016, his work was exhibited in a solo show at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., entitled Symbolic Cities: The Work of Ahmed Mater. In 2017, he had a solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum titled Ahmed Mater: Mecca Journeys. In 2025, the exhibition Ahmed Mater: Antenna was held at the UCCA Edge in Shanghai. In 2009, his work was included in the Venice Biennale, and again in the 2011 exhibition The Future of a Promise at the Biennale. Other important group shows include the 2013 exhibition Light from the Middle East at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Mater has exhibited his work in the Venice Biennale and at the British Museum.

Lord Mendoza CBE is Provost of Oriel College at the University of Oxford. He is Chairman of Historic England. He is a member of the UK Soft Power Council and co-chairs its Europe group. Lord Mendoza worked at DCMS for eight years as a NED and the government’s Commissioner for Culture. He chairs the Culture and Heritage Capital Board at DCMS. He is Chair of charities, Illuminated River and Civic Future. He is a member of the House of Lords. Prior to joining Oriel College, led the Mendoza Review of Museums in England for DCMS (2016-17). Formerly Chair of the royal charity, Children and the Arts, Vice Chair of Soho Theatre, and Chair of The Landmark Trust (2011-2021). Joined the Board of MeiraGTx, a US-based gene therapy company, in 2015. He co-founded Forward Publishing in the late 1980s, now a part of WPP plc.

Parisian gallerist Kamel Mennour has always let his intuition guide him, forging his own path fueled by tenacity. After graduating in economics, for which he had an undoubted aptitude, but no true passion, Kamel Mennour opened his inaugural gallery in 1999, where he began by presenting several giants of photography, such as Araki, Roger Ballen, Larry Clark. Nearly, 25 years later, Mennour manages four spaces and represents about forty living artists and artistic estates, from among the most significant in the field of modern and contemporary art, including Daniel Buren, Alicja Kwade, Ugo Rondinone, Camille Henrot, Lee Ufan, Anish Kapoor, Douglas Gordon, Mohamed Bourouissa, Huang Yong Ping, François Morellet… to some of the most promising, such as Ymane Chabi-Gara and Dhewadi Hadjab for instance. Through its exhibitions, its projects developed in partnership with cultural institutions, its presence in major international art fairs, and its network of collaborators throughout the world, the gallery is present from Asia to the Americas, and from Africa to the Middle East. Today, it is one of the key actors in contemporary art and the art market.

Dr Sada Mire is a Swedish-Somali archaeologist, art historian and presenter. Dr Mire holds a PhD from UCL’s Institute of Archaeology, London. She is the only active Somali archaeologist, working in Somalia and Somaliland. Mire is currently completing three book projects. Her numerous publications include a dozen peer-reviewed articles in leading journals on some of her notable archaeological and theoratical contributions. She is a cultural theorist, who believes we need culture in times of war as articulated in her TEDxEuston talk Cultural Heritage a basic human need. Mire is one of 30 global writers and thinkers selected by the Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts in 2017. In 2017, the NewScientist Magazine selected Dr Mire as one of its most Inspiring Women in Science of all time. Sada’s popular work has appeared in The Guardian and Africa Forum as well as presenting programs and news for the BBC, Channel Four and appeared in panels. She is also the presenter and writer of the Leiden University MOOC course ‘Heritage under Threat’ at Coursera. Dr Mire’s work can be found in major international media including field documentaries and features with CNN, National Geographic, Chanel Four, UK, Futura Channel, BBC News, BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, NewScientist, Discover Magazine, and Vanity Fair Magazine

Dr. Moumni is an art and archaeology historian, specialising in antiquity as well as early and modern and contemporary Arab Art. He holds a PhD in North African Roman Architecture from La Sorbonne University and was previously a fellow at the French Academy in Rome, Villa Medici. From 2019 to 2021, he was an Aga Khan Fellow at Harvard University’s Department of Art History, where he conducted research on the cultural history and artistic exchanges of the Maghreb region. In 2021, Dr Moumni joined Christie’s as a Senior Client Advisor focused on the Middle East before taking on his current role as Chairman for the Middle East and Africa. He has extensive experience leading cultural initiatives and curating exhibitions of early modern, modern, and contemporary art from the region.

Lydie N. Murorunkwere is the Founder and Managing Director of ML Corporate Services Ltd, a licensed Trust and Corporate Service Provider regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda. She brings over 20 years of leadership in banking, public administration, and investment structuring. Lydie was recently elected as the first Chairperson of Rwanda’s Association of Trust and Corporate Service Providers, where she advocates for regulatory innovation and cross-sector collaboration. Her work spans governance design, succession planning, and fiduciary solutions for high-net-worth individuals, family groups, and institutions across Africa and the diaspora. At CiC Riyadh, she will lead the Showcase session “Resilience Through Culture - The Rwandan Journey,” drawing on Rwanda’s experience in positioning culture as a driver of economic resilience and global engagement. Her contribution reflects a practical understanding of how thoughtful structuring and policy alignment can transform creative capital into sustainable national assets.

Omar Nagati is a practicing architect and urban planner, and the co-founder of CLUSTER, an urban design and research platform downtown Cairo. A graduate of Cairo University, he studied at UBC, Vancouver and UC Berkeley with a specific focus on informal urbanism, and taught at a number local and international universities, most recently as a visiting professor at the University of Sheffield, UK. He is currently a member of the International Council for Creative Industries at the Policy and Evidence Centre, UK. Nagati is co-author of numerous papers and publications and has presented CLUSTER’s work widely in regional and international conferences and biennales.

Michelle Francine Ngonmo is a visionary leader in the creative field, diversity, and inclusion. Born in Cameroon and raised in Italy, she has built a career at the intersection of media, education, and talent scouting, creating pathways for underrepresented creatives. She has uplifted 1,400+ BIPOC designers and 6000+ BIPOC creatives worldwide, spearheaded Afro Fashion Week Milan, and launched pioneering initiatives like TheUnseenProfiles, “We Are Made in Italy" (WAMI), Les petis Metiers and Second Chance Bag. As a mentor, educator, and board member at LABA Douala and Fondazione Aurora, she champions education and professional growth. Her impact extends to Italy’s top companies, driving inclusive transformation in the workplace. Recognized by Bulgari, Vogue Business, and others, she continues to push boundaries, most recently launching the Black Carpet Awards and Communities at Work.

Victor Nkindi is a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s socio-economic fabric, media entrepreneur, policy adviser, and CEO of Hooza Media, a Kigali-based communications and digital content company driving innovation in Africa’s creative and cultural industries, listed in the 2019 Forbes Africa Top 10 to Watch and an ITU Virtual Digital World 2020 SME Awards nominee. He is a strong advocate for innovative financing mechanisms, building sustainable ecosystems that empower African creators, supporting media development and music distribution solutions across the world. He is a board member of the European Business Chamber of Rwanda, enabling a conducive environment for foreign direct investment in Rwanda. At CIC Riyadh, he will share his experience and latest inclusive and effective practices in the panel “Culture in Common – Who Pays, Who Benefits?” panel

After studying History and political sciences, Catherine Pégard started her career in 1977 as a journalist at J'informe, a daily newspaper launched by Joseph Fontanet. She then joined the political desk of the Quotidien de Paris directed by Philippe Tesson. In 1982, she joined the weekly news magazine Le Point as a journalist on the political desk. She left as Editor in Chief 25 years later. In addition, from 1994 Catherine Pégard published a weekly ‘carnet’ (notebook) fed by the corridors of power. At the same time she debated political current affairs with Jean-Marc Lech on Radio Classique. From October 2004, she also co-hosted the ‘Les Femmes et les Patrons d'abord’, a TV programme with Alexandra Golovanoff on Paris Première. In May 2007, Catherine Pégard left Le Point to become adviser to the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. She thus joined the circle of members of staff closest to the President. Catherine Pégard was appointed President of the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles at the Council of Ministers of August 31, 2011. She took up her functions on October 2, 2011.

Bruce Peterson is the visionary founder behind Grande Experiences, THE LUME and a network of cultural experiences in Italy, all transforming the way we engage with art and culture through immersive exhibitions. With a specific focus on digital innovation and a passionate commitment to making art and culture accessible to wider audiences, Bruce has pioneered the concept and production of large-scale digital art experiences across the globe. Since founding Grande Experiences in 2006, the company has become a global leader, presenting multifaceted exhibitions that blend art, science, and technology. Grande has presented over 280 exhibitions and experiences in 185 cities worldwide, to 24 million+ visitors and translated in 33 languages. THE LUME Melbourne and THE LUME Indianapolis elevates the immersive experience to a grand scale, allowing visitors to step into the world of iconic artists through breath-taking digital projections, music, scent taste and touch. Bruce’s work not only democratizes access to art but also makes art more inclusive for diverse audiences. Grande is heavily investing in Shared Virtual Reality and Extended Reality to enhance its multi-sensory experiences to engage more audiences.

Dominique Petit-Frère is the Founder and Artistic Director of Limbo Museum, a cultural institution based in Accra that reimagines civic infrastructure through public art, architecture, and community-based programming. Established in 2024, Limbo Museum activates unfinished and underutilized spaces as cultural platforms that respond to pressing ecological, economic, and social issues. Its approach is grounded in long-term thinking, material reuse, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. With a background in international development, Dominique works at the intersection of architecture and curatorial practice. She leads the museum’s strategic direction, curatorial vision, and research initiatives, shaping new models for cultural institutions rooted in context, care, and collective engagement.

Martin Prendergast is a leader in the cultural sector, specialising in public affairs and corporate partnerships. Martin started his consultancy, Martin Prendergast Communications (MPC), in 2018 after 11 years at the National Theatre where he was Deputy Director of Development and then Director of Communications. In 2025, Martin launched Cultural Capital Partners (CCP) with business partner Elliot Willis, who brokered the £35.2m Aviva Studios naming rights deal in Manchester. CCP is a specialist naming rights agency which aims to change the funding landscape for the arts whilst driving new and differentiated opportunities for visionary brands. Martin is a member of the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board, a Director of the European Sponsorship Association and a UK Council member of Creative UK. He is a trustee of Theatre Peckham and HOME in Manchester, and a speaker for schools. Martin is a cabaret pianist and singer, performing in venues across London.

Raoul Rugamba is a businessman, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Raoul Rugamba businesses are focusing in the technology applied to education and in the cultural and creative industries. Raoul started his business journey in 2015, when he founded his creative and communication agency, the Hobe Agency. Prior to that, Raoul was a project manager at Positive Production, where he joined after he served at the National University of Rwanda for 6 years, between 2008 and 2014, and was working first as a help desk, then followed trainings by the Tulane University, and become an IT officer in charge of developing solutions for the University, through technology, for a better learning and teaching experience. In his journey as a businessman, he has supported universities and transformed their educational journeys, supported artists and creative entrepreneurs for their work in the cultural and creative industries for more than 10 years. Today, Raoul Rugamba has founded, through his company, a project called Africa in colors, a project that set itself a part as an ecosystem builder on the African continent, where currently, it has created a network of 26 countries that touches and engages with a community of creators of more than a hundred thousand across the globe. Today, Raoul Rugamba is an EdTech expert and a consultant in the cultural and creative industry through his company Hobe Agency and his project Africa in Colors. His dream is to contribute to the raise of Africa through art, culture and creativity.

Amit Sood is the founder of the Google Art Project and Director at the Cultural Institute, prior to that he has held senior roles most recently in Google's Android team in mountain view, and has spent time leading Google's Marketing efforts for its GEO products in EMEA. He continues to manage the expansion of the Art Project and other cultural initiatives at Google and is currently based in London working out of the Product & Engineering teams in EMEA. Prior to joining Google, Amit has worked at Ericsson, DHL and in the non-profit sector in Europe and India. He received his MBA from INSEAD and bachelor's in Commerce from Sydenham College in Mumbai.

Aishwarya Tipnis is an Indian architect, educator and heritage conservationist, whose eponymous practice Aishwarya Tipnis Architects focuses on heritage conservation of neglected monuments and significant buildings of India. In 2015, her work on the century-old Main Building of The Doon School received the Honourable Mention under the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. In 2016, the firm's restoration work on the walls and bastions of the 18th-century Mahidpur Fort, in Madhya Pradesh, was given the Award of Merit under the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards. In 2018, she became the youngest architect to be appointed the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government for her preservation work of French heritage in India, particularly Chandernagore in West Bengal. Tipnis was part of the UNESCO Expert Team for preparing the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She has been recognised as a Global Cultural Leader by the European Union in 2016.

Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews is an award-winning executive, scholar, and trailblazer shaping the future of Canada’s creative industries. As Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation and faculty member at Toronto Metropolitan University, she empowers artists and entrepreneurs to turn passion into sustainable careers. Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Billboard Canada Power Players, and a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar, Charlie has launched transformative initiatives like the TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator and Women in Music Entrepreneurship Accelerator, breaking barriers for women and emerging talent. She serves on the Canada Council for the Arts Board and as Vice-Chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council, driving equity, diversity, and innovation at a national level. With a PhD in Management and a track record of high-impact programs, Charlie combines academic excellence, industry leadership, and a deep commitment to building inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive creative ecosystems.

Charlie Wall-Andrews (MBA, MA, BA, CCIP) is a leader committed to continuous professional development. She completed the Association of Fundraising Professional’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship in Philanthropy program, and is a graduate of the Banff Centre’s Cultural Leadership program. She completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Ivey Business School, Master of Arts (MA) at York University, and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Laurentian University. Commended for exceptional work, Charlie has been the recipient of many awards, including: the Top 30 Under 30 award from Corporate Knights, the Vital People award from the Toronto Foundation, the Alumni Leadership Award from her alma mater, and the Social Science Award from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations. In 2019, she was appointed as a Legacy Fellow by the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship Program. Charlie sits on the Board of Directors of WorkInCulture and the TELUS Community Investment Board, and is the inaugural Vice-Chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council. Previously, she has been a board member of Choral Canada, Laurentian University, Independent Living, and other not-for-profit organizations.

Severin is the Solo-GP behind New Renaissance Ventures, the first VC fund dedicated to tech startups in the Cultural and Creative Industries. With over a decade of experience spanning top-tier VC, global FMCG, and Big Tech, Severin brings a unique blend of expertise. He began his career at Red Bull, shaping culture and brand experiences, and later advised high-growth consumer companies at Google. In his most recent role at Speedinvest, he invested in and worked with leading consumer tech companies such as GoStudent and Inkitt. Beyond his investment work, Severin co-founded Tourilla Tours, a sustainable tour operator in Uganda, which he operates as a social business.