Instituting otherwise in challenging political times

The Contemporary Art Days Summit 2026 features six thematic discussion groups. This discussion topic focuses on challenges faced by institutions as (mellanslag) well as individuals: rising costs, political polarisation, societal expectations, self-censorship, precarity, exhaustion. Cultural institutions — as models rather than mirrors for society — could imagine themselves structurally otherwise.

This theme invites the group to discuss methods of navigating institutional pressures, multiple stakeholders, and large-scale, long-term practices. We will look in detail at each other’s challenges, including the specifics of how boards, funders, policymakers, audiences, partners, and complaint processes impact current ways of working.

• What challenges and pressures are institutions currently facing, and how are these shaping priorities, programmes, relationships, and ways of working?
• What organisational models, governance structures, and internal practices can help institutions remain aligned with their values and mission while responding to changing conditions?
• How can institutions balance accountability to multiple stakeholders while maintaining artistic integrity, public relevance, and meaningful engagement with their communities?

The discussion begins at Kaplansgården, Gamla Uppsala kyrka on 14 October and continues at Rikssalen on 15 October, where participants will further develop the ideas and conversations initiated on the first day.