Shaping the Future of Cultural Investment

By invitation of H.H. Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of The Kanoo Group, participated as a distinguished speaker at the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference, organized by Richard Attias & Associates.

Mr. Kanoo joined an esteemed panel for the session "Who Funds Culture – and Who Gets Heard?" – a thought-provoking discussion that explored one of the most critical questions facing our creative economy: How do funding models shape representation, accessibility, and authenticity within our cultural ecosystem?

Key Contributions to the Discussion

Mishal Kanoo emphasized the imperative to examine the delicate balance between market forces, public responsibility, and artistic freedom. His perspective centered on how cultural investors and stakeholders can create funding structures that:

• Ensure diverse voices are not just heard, but amplified
• Support authentic cultural expression while maintaining financial sustainability
• Bridge the gap between commercial viability and artistic integrity
• Foster inclusivity across all levels of cultural participation

A Call for Intentional Cultural Investment

Mr. Kanoo highlighted that true cultural investment transcends capital—it requires a steadfast commitment to democratizing access and championing underrepresented narratives. He posed a vital question to the audience: whose stories are being funded, and more importantly, whose stories remain untold? In his closing remarks, Mr. Kanoo shared a powerful reflection:

"I would like to share my perspective on the significance of art as a means of self-expression and its role in reflecting our community and identity. Creative thinking holds value in our lives, regardless of its monetary worth."

The discussion reinforced the collective responsibility to work toward a future where cultural investment serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and meaningful representation. The path forward requires intentionality, collaboration, and a shared vision for a cultural landscape that reflects the rich diversity of our global community.

Mishal Kanoo expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this landmark conversation alongside fellow panelists who brought remarkable depth, insight, and spirited exchange to this pivotal dialogue.