The 23rd International Conference on Cultural Economics, hosted by Erasmus University Rotterdam from June 24–27, 2025, was a vibrant celebration of knowledge, dialogue, and innovation in the Economics of Cultural Heritage and CCIs. Drawing participants from over 60 countries, the event underscored the increasing relevance of cultural economics in a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty. More than just a scholarly gathering, ACEI 2025 served as a unique space where academics, policymakers, creatives, and cultural professionals came together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and imagine new futures.
Framing Futures: Insights from the Keynotes and Panels
The keynote speeches at ACEI 2025 offered a powerful lens on the current and future challenges of cultural economics. Ruth Towse opened the conference by questioning the role of the discipline today, calling for more critical and adaptive approaches in response to shifting cultural and funding landscapes. Filip Vermeylen explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the art market, raising questions about authorship, authenticity, and the future of cultural labor. Michela Giorcelli examined the relationship between copyright and creativity through a historical case study, showing how legal frameworks can influence both artistic output and cultural identity. Finally, Luis César Herrero-Prieto emphasized the deep connection between culture and place, advocating for policies that recognize cultural value as a driver of belonging, resilience, and local development.
A panel moderated by Marc T. Law focused on Understanding and Fostering Diversity in the Arts. Meanwhile, Valentina Montalto moderated a second panel – sponsored by Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Center– was dedicated to discuss how Bridging Research and Policy for Innovation and Growth Strategies in Cultural and Creative Industries.
The Evolving Landscape of Cultural Economics
With about 370 presentations, including 5 keynotes and ca. 30-40 panelists, the scientific sessions at ACEI 2025 reflected the growing complexity and interdisciplinarity of cultural economics. Key areas of focus included the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural production and consumption, sustainability in cultural heritage, gender and diversity in the arts, and new models of funding and entrepreneurship. Sessions also explored cultural policy, regional studies, digital transformation, and the valuation of cultural heritage values. Notably, topics like fair artist remuneration, crowdfunding, and the economics of cultural participation gained particular relevance in light of post-pandemic recovery and technological disruption. Together, these discussions highlighted both the structural challenges and the innovative responses shaping the cultural economics today.
A New Chapter for Early-Career Scholars
One of the major highlights of ACEI 2025 was the remarkable and vibrant participation of early-stage career researchers from over 20 countries whose presence was strongly felt across the conference and especially during the Young Researchers Workshop (YRW). The Young Researchers were welcomed by a keynote by Anne-Sophie Radermecker who offered insights into conducting research in cultural economics, highlighting both qualitative and quantitative approaches applicable to the arts and creative sectors and marked a significant step in building a more connected and supportive research community for the next generation. The ACEI actively supports the involvement of early-career researchers through its Young Cultural Economists Network, an initiative supported by the ACEI board. The network aims to facilitate academic exchange and foster professional development within the field of cultural economics. Key activities include a global Discord platform, the launch of a Summer School in Mantua, July 2026 and “Present Your Thesis” online seminars.
A Community in Motion
The campus of Erasmus University, with its welcoming spirit and committed organizing team, proved a perfect setting. Beyond the sessions, ACEI 2025 stood out for its sense of community. The social program – from casual meetups at Café in de Smitse to a social dinner at JACK – offered spaces for informal connection.
Dianzhuo Zhu, Elisabetta Lazzaro, Joanna Woronkowicz, Alice Demattos Guimarães, Bronwyn Coate, Chiara dalle Nogare, Trine Bille, Jacqueline Kolpa, Martina Dattilo, Alice Fontana
A Golden Jubilee of Cultural Economics
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the ACEI – a moment to reflect on how far the field has come. Since its foundation, the association has played a central role in shaping cultural economics as a global and interdisciplinary domain of research. ACEI 2025 honored this legacy with an ambitious and collaborative program that demonstrated the continued vitality and relevance of the community.
1991 Venice: Mark Blaug, Ruth Towse, John O’Hagan, Carla Bodo, David Throsby, Dick Netzer
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the next ACEI International Conference will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2027, marking a significant first time to Latin America and offering a valuable opportunity to engage with the cultural dynamics of the Global South. In the meantime, the ACEI will continue its efforts to foster regional dialogue and scholarly collaboration through the EWACE workshops scheduled for 2026. These include the regional workshops planned in Europe in (University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, September 2026), as well as additional in South America (Universidad de las Artes, Guayaquil, Ecuador, November 2026), North America (Houston, Texas, November 2026), and Asia, each aiming to support emerging research and strengthen networks within their respective cultural and geographic contexts.
Alice and Marie
