Indian-origin South African filmmaker, Anant Singh, has been appointed to the newly established Global Arts and Culture Council (GACC), unveiled at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Singh, renowned for using his films to tackle issues like apartheid, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence, has gained international recognition, particularly for his work on the biopic “Long Walk to Freedom”, which tells the story of Nelson Mandela.
In 2001, Singh was honored with the WEF Crystal Award for his contributions to film and society. The GACC, co-founded by Hilde Schwab and Professor Klaus Schwab, aims to harness the power of creativity and storytelling to build a more unified and prosperous future in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reflecting on his appointment, Singh highlighted the significance of the creative community, stating, “Artists and the creative community are the voice of the people and the guardians of humanity’s storytelling. In a divided world, the GACC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices and expressions of artists are heard, contributing to the narratives of millions of people.”
Alongside Singh, the GACC also appointed renowned global arts figures such as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Academy Award-winning director), George Osborne (Chair of the British Museum), and Renee Fleming (world-renowned soprano), among others.
The GACC was created to support the arts and culture sector in leading the shift from an industrial to a more intelligent and interconnected society, where creativity plays a key role in shaping a future of unity and prosperity. This distinguished group of visionary cultural leaders will work together to harness the power of creativity, ensuring the continued relevance and influence of arts in a rapidly evolving world.
Notable members of the council include Andrea Bocelli, Deborah Rutter, Nile Rodgers, Jin Xing, and Misty Copeland, among many others. Their collective goal is to bridge divides and strengthen global dialogue through the universal language of art and culture.
