GCDN Annual Convening – Los Angeles 2025

For a host city, the Olympic Games are more than a sporting event; they are a powerful platform for deploying soft power strategies to project political values, cultivate a national image, and showcase status to residents, visitors, and billions of viewers worldwide. Arts and culture play a pivotal role in shaping this broader narrative and impact. Alongside initiatives like the Cultural Olympiad, independent public and private commissions contribute to a rich tapestry of multidisciplinary programs that reflect identity, engage communities, and leave a lasting cultural legacy. As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, this session examines how arts and culture programs elevate the Games' narrative, foster engagement, reflect local heritage, and create platforms for global exchange while ensuring a meaningful legacy long after the closing ceremonies.