Scientific coordination
Angela Greco Head of Philanthropy Fondazione Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
In the third edition, we will explore the deep and enduring tension between two of the most profound forces in our world: Memory and Future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the arts, these two concepts stand as pillars—one deeply rooted in the past, the other reaching toward the future. Memory, in its many forms, has shaped and nurtured the arts across generations. It is the repository of human culture, identity, and experience. It is through memory that we preserve the stories of our past—our struggles, our triumphs, our voices. And yet, the future calls to us as well. The future is a horizon brimming with infinite possibilities, where the arts are a beacon of innovation, creativity, and transformation. The future pushes us forward, urging us to break boundaries, reimagine the world, and envision new realities.
For the arts, Memory and Future are not opposing forces but vital companions. They work in tandem, each offering balance, each shaping the other. And in philanthropy, our role is to ensure that both are supported, honored, and cultivated in equal measure. This forum exists to explore the space where these two forces meet—to understand how we can preserve and honor the legacy of the arts while simultaneously empowering future generations to dream and create anew.
Over the course of this forum, we will delve into three unique and powerful panels that speak to this tension between tradition and innovation, between the past and the future, and between philanthropy and creativity.
Our first panel, “The Myth of Ulysses: The Memory of the Past, the Desire for the Future”, invites us to reflect on how the arts, in their many forms, are both a vessel for preserving our cultural heritage and a platform for new, boundary-pushing expressions. Ulysses, in Greek mythology, embarked on a journey that bridged the ancient and the unknown—a journey of memory and future. In this panel, we will hear from distinguished voices from the world of cinema, theater, visual arts, museums, and cultural institutions, each sharing their unique perspective on how philanthropy plays a pivotal role in ensuring that both tradition and innovation can coexist and thrive.
The second panel, “The Intergenerational Transition: Bridging Tradition and Innovation”, explores how philanthropy can foster an intergenerational exchange, ensuring that the wisdom and experience of the past are passed down to future generations of artists and philanthropists. Through this transition, we can create a dynamic ecosystem in which cultural legacy is honored, yet innovation is not stifled. How can we, as philanthropists, artists, and leaders, bridge these two worlds—sustaining traditions while embracing the creative and technological innovations that will shape the arts for tomorrow?
02:00 pm
Welcoming & Registration
02:15 pm
Music interlude
02:20 pm
Institutional Greetings
02:30 pm
Inaugural Dialogue
Hans Schöpflin Philanthropist Founder Schöpflin Stiftung
Lisl Schöpflin Philanthropist Deputy Chair of the Board, Schöpflin Stiftung
03:00 pm
The Myth of Ulysses: The Memory of the Past, the Desire for the Future (EN)
Alfredo Castro Director, Actor, Founder Teatro La Memoria
Jung-Myung Lee Writer
Liina Leijala Cellist Executive Director Barenboim-Said Center for Music
03:45 pm
AGORA #1
Maria Bozzanigo Choreographer, Director, Philanthropist
04:00 pm
Coffee break
04:25 pm
Music interlude
04:30 pm
The Intergenerational Transition (EN)
Hans Rainer Künzle Chairman of GreenLeaves Education Foundation
Johannes Fritz Biologist, Founder Waldrappteam
Carola Carazzone General Secretary Assifero, Vice President Philea
05:15 pm
AGORA #2
Patrick J. Aregger Philanthropist, Wealth Manager
05:30 pm
New Models of Wellbeing and Welfare for the Arts
Oliver Schnyder Pianist, Artistic Director, Orpheum Stiftung zur Förderung junger Solisten
Abbie Conant Trombonist
Lion Gallusser Managing Director of the Lyra Foundation
06:15 pm
AGORA #3
Evelyn Glennie Artist, President Help Musicians
06:30 pm
Music interlude
Apéro riche
BONUS TRACK
08:30 pm
Aula Magna Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
Via Soldino 9, 6900 Lugano
Ensemble900
Francesco Bossaglia conducting
And finally, in our third panel, “New Models of Wellbeing and Welfare for the Arts”, we confront a pressing question: as the world changes, how do we build new models of support and care for our artists—models that are inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking? The wellbeing of artists is not just about providing financial security; it is about fostering an environment where creativity can thrive, where social and emotional support systems are robust, and where the arts remain accessible and inclusive for all. This panel will explore groundbreaking approaches to artist welfare, focusing on how philanthropy can play an essential role in supporting the health, longevity, and flourishing of those who dedicate their lives to the arts.
Together, these discussions bring us face to face with the tension between memory and future. As we listen to our speakers and engage with one another, I encourage each of you to think about your own relationship to these two forces. How does your work, your passion, and your commitment to the arts navigate the delicate balance between preserving the treasures of the past and creating the innovations of tomorrow?
Philanthropy has a unique and essential role to play in this dynamic interplay. We are the stewards of cultural memory, but we are also the visionaries who must ensure that the arts remain relevant, vibrant, and accessible to future generations. It is through our collective efforts that we can foster an environment in which the arts can flourish—where memory is cherished and innovation is embraced.
As we embark on this journey together today, let us open our hearts, our minds, and our vision to the infinite possibilities that lie before us. The arts offer us a mirror to our past and a window to our future. It is our privilege, as philanthropists, leaders, and advocates, to ensure that this vision is preserved, expanded, and shared for generations to come.
Thank you for being here, for your commitment to the arts, and for your role in shaping a future where creativity, innovation, and legacy continue to thrive.
