Getting back to business was a 
top priority for countries across the world in 2023. Festivals and mega-exhibitions staged long-delayed editions, art fairs welcomed international galleries and visitors, and people packed auction rooms and waved paddles once again. While Covid-19 now appears in the rearview mirror, the world is still grappling with changes that have only accelerated in recent years, from economic slowdowns to technological advancements, geopolitical conflicts, and the impacts of climate change. While facing numerous challenges in a world that keeps turning, cultural events remain vital meeting points for minds and spirits.