Ria Keburia Foundation at the WAF Global Summit 2026
The Ria Keburia Foundation recently attended the World Art Foundations (WAF) Global Summit 2026 in Barcelona on January 26th and 27th. A distinguished international gathering of art foundations from across the globe, the summit represents an important milestone for our foundation, further strengthening our international partnerships and reaffirming our commitment to advancing cultural exchange and long-term global cooperation.
The World Art Foundations (WAF) Global Summit is a premier biennial event that brings together founders, directors, and curators from the world’s most influential private art foundations. It serves as a unique platform for high-level dialogue and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, allowing institutions to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing the global cultural sector today.
The summit was hosted by the Fundació Joan Miró, an institution of profound cultural significance and an exceptional setting for thoughtful dialogue.
The Fundació Joan Miró was created by the artist himself with the goal of establishing an internationally recognized center for contemporary art research and dissemination.
Opened to the public in 1975, the Foundation is housed in an iconic building designed by the architect Josep Lluís Sert, making it one of the few museums in the world where the artist and architect worked in a constant collaborative dialogue. Today, it remains a dynamic center where Joan Miró's legacy coexists with the most cutting-edge contemporary art, providing an inspiring atmosphere for discussing the evolving role of foundations and cultural responsibility.
The 2026 program offered a rigorous agenda focused on the theme of "Shifting Grounds" and the responsibilities of institutions in an era of global change. Key sessions and workshops included:
- The Future of Legacy: Strategies for navigating the intersection of tradition, institutional mission, and modern innovation.
- Sustainability and Resilience: Integrating eco-conscious practices into operations and exhibition-making to build more sustainable futures.
- Digital Transformation & AI: A workshop-led exploration titled "AI Fears and Philias," discussing how Artificial Intelligence can serve as a companion to art institutions in curation and archiving.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Examining how foundations act as bridges between nations through international residencies and traveling exhibitions.
We were delighted to take part in this summit alongside respected peers such as the Henry Moore Foundation, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Yinka Shonibare Foundation, and The Frank Bowling Foundation, among many others.
Attending this summit marks a significant milestone for the Ria Keburia Foundation. It strengthens our international partnerships and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing cultural exchange and long-term global cooperation.
Attending this summit marks a significant milestone for the Ria Keburia Foundation. It strengthens our international partnerships and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing cultural exchange and long-term global cooperation.
