The Ministry of Culture and Trade hosted an open forum on the contribution of culture and creative industries to value creation in Iceland.

Jasper Parrott discussed the importance of art in these turbulent times and aired ideas that Iceland could become the perfect place for an international centre of art and peace. Parrott was the agent of Vladimir Ashkenazy and is today the agent of pianist Víkingur Olafsson and composer Daníel Bjarnason.

Parrott pointed out that the country’s geographical position and demilitarization could be put to good use for this centre and reminded the guests of the summit held in Iceland in 1986. He said Iceland is the perfect platform for influential people to meet and emphasize how to promote art creation and peace in the world, because art thrives best in peace, like all humanity. The visitors took Parrott’s philosophy well, and he was rewarded with thunderous applause.

A number of talks were presented at the symposium, including the importance of knowledge creation and data collection, public good associations in the world of culture and art, and value and valuation in creative disciplines. The ideas and enthusiasm of the guests in the panel discussions provided powerful inspiration.