Cultural Dialogue and Social Responsibility: Partnership to Develop Social Theatre

The creative economy is a powerful resource for both economic growth and positive social change. Businesses are increasingly shifting from selective philanthropy to systemic investments in human capital, while the theatrical arts are evolving into an effective tool for addressing pressing social issues.
Today, theatre plays an important role in fostering an open cultural environment and creating a space for dialogue among people. By integrating art, education, and civic engagement, social theatre is taking on an interdisciplinary nature.
Since 2022, the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights has supported theatrical approaches to working with vulnerable social groups. Social theatre is evolving as a distinct field that addresses pressing social needs by taking into account the demands of children with disabilities, adolescents who exhibit deviant behaviour, and families facing difficult life circumstances. Spanning art, psychology, and social work, this format provides a source of support for families by helping them overcome crises and forge new identities.
The discussion will bring together leaders from the cultural, educational, business, and non-governmental sectors. Experts will debate the potential of social theatre and explore successful models of cross-sector collaboration as well as public-private partnership mechanisms. They will specifically look at ways to scale up projects that foster sustainable infrastructure and expand access to cultural life for diverse social groups.