Lost in distraction?
- A conference on music, film, arts and culture as Europe’s way forward
A powerful day of ideas and inspiration
This November, VEGA hosted Lost in Distraction? — a high-level cultural conference that became a standout event during the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The day brought together leading voices from across Europe to explore the future of culture, from music and film to art and creativity, and to reimagine how culture can help build a more resilient, imaginative, and connected Europe.
The conference was a huge success, sparking new collaborations, bold discussions, and a shared sense of cultural purpose that resonated far beyond Copenhagen.
See the wonderful pictures from the day taken by Clara Marker Jønsson
About the conference
In an age of fragmented attention and constant digital noise, how do we protect and nurture creativity? What does it mean to focus, to create, and to connect – especially for the next generation raised in a digital-first world?
This conference invited artists, cultural leaders, policymakers and thinkers to ask bold questions and envision new pathways. Rather than seeing culture as something being disrupted, we explored how it can be a driver of renewal and resilience in European society.
Why it matters
Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum. It thrives in ecosystems – shaped by shared values, strong frameworks and meaningful investment.
As Europe navigates profound technological and social changes, the cultural sector holds untapped potential as a space for connection, critique and coherence. If we want a future that is inclusive, imaginative and sustainable, culture must be seen not as decoration, but as infrastructure.
The conference program framework was created by independent curator Majken Overgaard and Nicklas Larsen, Head of Impact at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Through their vision and expertise, the agenda was structured around the potential of art, interdisciplinary collaboration, and new ways of understanding the role of culture in society.
Programme
Doors and check in in VEGA foyer
PART 1 – Are we lost in distraction?
Deep listening session by Danish artist Giift
Opening remarks by Sigmund Lubanski, director of the Agency for Culture and Palaces
Setting the tone, motivation by host of the day, Louise Opprud
Keynote by Christina Rosendahl, film director and screenwriter
Break
Musical performance by Greenlandic artist Tarrak
Keynote by Kaave Pour, founder of 21st Europe
Break
PART 2 – Hope in action – Art & culture as Europe’s way forward
Music, film, art and culture as Europe’s way forward
Voices of the next generation: Panel talk with Mads Gregorius Krag, UngKult, Tarrak, Mira Bertelsen and Katrine Petersen, Expert in digital youth culture
How can EU better support the sector? Conversation with Luiza Moroz, Culture Action Europe and Nicklas Larsen, Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies
Break
How can arts institutions spark real change?
Talk by Lene Vive Christiansen, VEGA
Talk by Karin Gottlieb, Roskilde Festival Group and GRASP
Talk by Rikke Hedeager, REPUBLIQUE/REVOLVER
Keynote by Marie Laurberg, Copenhagen Contemporary
Musical performance: Vesterbro Ungdomsgård Choir
Break
What and who are we distracted by? Panel talk with Tine Fischer Danish Film Institute, Morten Skov Hansen DR, Katrine Vogelsang Nordisk film and Sofie Hvitved Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies & Future Media Hubs
Summary and presentation artistic showcases with Louise Opprud
PART 3 – Artistic showcases and networking
During the conference, participants are invited to experience the following artistic works and meet selected creators behind them during the networking session from 17:00–19:00 in VEGA foyer and Ideal Bar
- REPUBLIQUE / REVOLVER – Exhibition of scenography from selected stage productions
- A Thousand Voices – Immersive choral composition by Philip | Schneider
- CC Create – Hat exhibition of creations made by museum visitors
- SMK SurReel – AI-generated projections of surrealist artworks from the SMK exhibition
- GlassBrain – 3D brain visualisation displaying real-time, source-localised neural activity made by Adam Gazzaly, Neuroscape / UCSF.
Event details:
📅 Date: 3 November 2025
📍 Venue: VEGA, Copenhagen
🕙 Time: 11.00 a.m.–5 p.m. (Conference) | 5–7 p.m. (Networking)
🎫 Sold out - click here for waiting list link
Organised by
VEGA, The Agency for Culture and Palaces, The Danish Film Institute, Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies . European Commission Representation in Denmark
In association with: Creative Europe Desk Denmark and Kulturmøde Mors.
Funded with support from the Europa-Nævnet. Responsibility for the content lies solely with the grant recipient.
