GLOBAL ART
CONVENTION
DUBAI 2025
Hosted by the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD)
- Final Application Deadline
- August 28
- 2025
DUBAI 2025
Hosted by the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD)
DUBAI 2025
Hosted by the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD)
The Global Art Convention (GAC) Dubai 2025 is a reflective and interdisciplinary gathering at the intersection of art, practice, diplomacy, and intercultural dialogue. Organized by the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD), the convention reimagines how art can act as a critical force in shaping societal narratives, political consciousness, and modes of international cooperation. Rooted in the belief that art is never neutral, GAC offers a platform where creative expression becomes a site of inquiry — not only into aesthetics, but into memory, resistance, and the architecture of belonging.Â
GAC brings together artists, cultural leaders, diplomats, academics, and youth to explore the transformative role of storytelling, symbolism, and visual culture in addressing our most urgent global challenges. Through installations, dialogue, and collaborative practice, the convention positions art as both language and method — capable of confronting silence, questioning power, and building bridges across contested histories. In doing so, GAC seeks to construct new imaginaries of peace, justice, and global solidarity.
Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
October 05 - 07, 2025
Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions have long served as unofficial embassies, projecting national identity while fostering cross-cultural dialogue. This module examines how aesthetic choices—from Venice Biennale pavilions to cultural exchange exhibitions—function as sophisticated instruments of soft diplomacy, shaping global perceptions and building cultural capital in ways that traditional statecraft cannot achieve.
Artists occupy a unique position in civil society—simultaneously dependent on state patronage and capable of challenging state authority. We explore how creative practitioners navigate this tension, examining case studies and analyzing how states respond to, co-opt, or instrumentalize artistic dissent. Understand how creativity becomes a mode of governance, narrative warfare, and social transformation.
Religious and cultural iconography provides a shared visual language that predates and often supersedes national boundaries. This module investigates how sacred art forms create spaces for intercultural dialogue that bypass conventional diplomatic channels, examining both opportunities and sensitivities in cross-civilizational artistic exchange.
Investigate how blockchain, AI, and emerging technologies are reshaping creative production and cultural ownership. We examine how AI-generated art, and virtual galleries are reshaping not only art markets but also questions of cultural sovereignty, digital colonialism, and the democratization of aesthetic production in global contexts.
Artists have historically served as informal cultural ambassadors, often achieving diplomatic breakthroughs where official channels have failed. This module profiles artist-diplomats from Pablo Picasso's peace activism to contemporary cultural exchange programs, examining how creative practitioners navigate the delicate balance between artistic integrity and diplomatic utility.
Participate in facilitated sessions designed for collective creation across borders. Moving beyond cultural exchange toward genuine co-creation, these interactive sessions explore how collaborative artistic practice can generate new forms of intercultural understanding. Participants engage in practical exercises that demonstrate how shared creative processes can overcome linguistic barriers and cultural misunderstandings, producing works that embody truly intercultural aesthetics.Â
Influence flows through images, memory, and meaning. Art is the new geopolitical prerequisite. It is the Artist's Dilemma; speaking truth to power while dependent on power.Â
It negotiates identity, contests power, and shapes perception. It is cultural statecraft.
To engage in diplomacy today is to understand that art is political — and power is perceptual.
Art offers a unique space for dialogue: it is simultaneously local and universal, personal and political, emotional and intellectual. The Global Art Convention recognizes that aesthetic experience may be one of our most powerful tools for building the empathy and understanding necessary for effective global cooperation.Â
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The participation fee for the Global Art Convention Dubai is just $16.99 USD. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are not selected for the funded category due to the competitive evaluation or are unable to attend as a self-funded participant, we have an exciting alternative for you. To ensure you still benefit from our expertise and network, our classes feature a diverse cohort with approximately 20 nationalities in each batch. You will have the opportunity to enroll in our exclusive 6-10 week virtual programs on public diplomacy, identities, public service relations, art, philosophy, and politics. These programs, valued at over $250 USD, are taught by young scholars and offer tremendous value, providing a rich and engaging learning experience that will significantly enhance your knowledge and skills in these critical areas. Learn more about our institute.
The Self-Funded Fee of $650 USD covers comprehensive benefits, including event merchandise, a certificate of participation, access to all modules, workshops, networking sessions, and summit materials. It also encompasses accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and a complete summit experience in Bangkok ensuring a holistic and enriching participation.
Yes, financial assistance is available to support participants. GACoffers various opportunities, including five fully funded slots covering all forum expenses such as event merchandise, meals, accommodation, and additional perks like travel support. Additionally, 15 partially funded slots covering 50% of the summit fee are available. An outstanding participant will be designated as the Ideal Strategist, receiving an endorsement to work with CSCD.
To apply for fully funded or partially funded opportunities, express your interest during the registration process and submit necessary documentation demonstrating your alignment with the forum’s objectives. Selection criteria emphasize merit and commitment.
Airfare support is provided to the funding holders based on criteria. As a social enterprise, we strive to maintain equilibrium, ensuring authenticity in both our merit system and program delivery.
The participation fee is non-refundable, although participants with self-funded opportunities may receive specific cancellation terms communicated individually. Applicants are encouraged to review terms and conditions prior to submission.
Participants selected for funded categories will enjoy comprehensive benefits outlined for each category, including event merchandise, a certificate of participation, meals, accommodation, travel support and any specified additional benefits.
Transfers of registration to another individual are generally not permitted. Exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances. For assistance, please contact our dedicated registration team.
Stay informed about summit updates, announcements, and real-time changes by regularly visiting the official summit website and following our official social media channels.
For any additional inquiries or assistance, our dedicated summit support team is available via Contact@thecscd.org or through the contact form on the official forum website. We are committed to providing assistance throughout your forum journey.
No, on-site payments are not accepted. The participation fee must be settled upon registration confirmation and is non-refundable. All participants, including those granted funding, must complete registration and payment beforehand.
Applicants for the GAC Dubai must be aged 16-45, including students and professionals passionate about public diplomacy. Candidates should demonstrate innovative ideas and a commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration with CSCD.
Have questions? Reach out to us at contact@thecscd.org
Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai
Madina Avenues Shop 17A - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
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