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TopicsOur programs create spaces where open-minded leaders can gather for breakthrough conversations on pressing global issues – each aligned to one of the following pillars:
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Salzburg Global in Austria
Update
Salzburg Global Fest im Park Celebrated a Day of Ideas, Culture, and Community
Over 2,000 visitors enjoyed the outdoor spaces of Schloss Leopoldskron. Photo Credit: Christian Streili
More than 2,000 guests visited Schloss Leopoldskron on Sunday, June 21, for Salzburg Global's annual Fest im Park, a day-long celebration of ideas, culture, and community that brought Salzburg residents together with international artists, thought leaders, and visitors from around the world.
As the public highlight of Salzburg Global Weekend, Fest im Park opened up the grounds of Schloss Leopoldskron to guests of all ages, who spent the day moving between curated conversations on global topics, live music, art exhibitions, guided tours, and family-friendly activities. This year’s festivities were made possible through a partnership with Land Salzburg and Raiffeisen Salzburg Private Banking, and support from Red Bull House of Arts.
Martin Weiss, President and CEO of Salzburg Global, remarked that:
“One of the most rewarding days each year is seeing the grounds of Schloss Leopoldskron filled with families, students, neighbors, and visitors who are curious about what Salzburg Global stands for. Fest im Park shows the power of ideas and how people can come together, have a conversation, and inspire one another."
Bringing Global Conversations to Salzburg
Fest im Park was an expression of Salzburg Global's mission to create spaces where diverse views can meet, exchange ideas, and find solutions to challenges facing societies today.
Across two stages, guests engaged in salon-style conversations with Salzburg Global Fellows on topics ranging from human-centered artificial intelligence and democratic resilience to youth leadership, mental health, international education, and the changing role of journalism.
Speakers included Monica Lopez, Co-Founder and CEO of Cognitive Insights for Artificial Intelligence; Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward; New York Times Berlin Bureau Chief Jim Tankersley; Danny Citrinowicz, Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies; Ziyaan Virji, Founder and CEO of Leaders of Today; and Vishakha Desai, Senior Fellow at the Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University.
Salzburg Global Fellow Monica Lopez highlighted the importance of making global topics relevant for a local context, saying:
“If you’re more aware of the reality of what’s happening around you, both in your local environment and across the world, you have a powerful advantage. No matter your professional field or stage in life, you have the choice right now with this knowledge to actively shape circumstances around you in the direction you want them to go.”
The day’s program was a snapshot of what Salzburg Global does all year: bringing people together across sectors, disciplines, and borders for breakthrough conversations on pressing global issues.
Opening the Doors of Schloss Leopoldskron
Guided tours were offered throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to learn about the layered history of the Schloss - including special tours on its queer history and on the legacy of Max Reinhardt.
Tours were offered in German, English, and, for the first time, Austrian Sign Language, reinforcing Salzburg Global's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. This year's event also strengthened Salzburg Global's connection to local organizations, with Decolonizing Salzburg, International Summer Academy of Fine Arts, and the Salzburg Deaf Association (Gehörlosenverband Salzburg) all hosting booths where they presented their work and talked directly with visitors.
For many local visitors, Fest im Park was a chance to step inside an institution that has spent nearly eight decades welcoming individuals from around the world to Salzburg.
Integrating Arts, Culture, and Creativity
Alongside the day's conversations, Fest im Park featured a rich cultural program that animated the palace grounds from morning until sunset.
Visitors could meet internationally recognized artists whose work explores the intersection of technology, identity, storytelling, and society - including Amy Karle, Malik Afegbua, and Maxim Wakultschik, whose pieces were on display in the Gonzalez Lounge and Meierhof Bar. There were also literary readings from Austrian authors Hubert Nowak and Manfred Baumann.
The musical program throughout the day included concerts by students of the Mozarteum University, performances of the Salzburg Festival Choir, and live jazz performances from the Salzburg jazz legend Adi Jüstel and his band. For the first time, guests enjoyed piano concerts performed by Mozarteum students on Max Reinhardt's original piano. The day wrapped up with an evening vinyl set from DJ Schönhart, where guests danced together on the Schloss terrace.
Strengthening Connections Between Local and Global Communities
At its core, Fest im Park connects Salzburg's local community with the global network of open-minded leaders who regularly convene at Schloss Leopoldskron.
As guests interacted with each other throughout the Schloss grounds, Fest im Park demonstrated the value of creating open and accessible spaces where people can encounter new ideas, engage in dialogue, and connect with each other.
