According to its statistics, the city of Zurich expects continuous growth in the ethnic diversity of Zurich’s urban society up until 2030. Likewise, the city’s demographic make-up is changing: the number of 30–39-year-olds is increasing significantly, while the greatest growth by 2035 is expected among those aged 10–19. Cultural offerings must be geared towards this increasingly diverse and younger society and ensure cultural participation, so as to give the different population groups access to culture and enable them to participate in cultural development. 

Processes of social change, such as digitalisation or globalisation, are giving rise to new forms of art that have so far received little in the way of cultural funding. It is vital to find instruments and procedures that are flexible and open enough to uncover new artistic potential and give it space to develop on an ongoing basis.

The importance of art and culture for society should be adequately addressed and made tangible. The discussion of how we define culture and art, and what art is, are key to this process. The value of culture as a means of helping shape social debate, offering a sounding board for dealing with reality or providing people with something that they can identify with must be tried and tested.

In view of the current worldwide challenge of global warming, approaches that include sustainable development are to be promoted in all areas of society. Culture can also contribute towards environmental sustainability.

Digitalisation and globalisation are creating new forms of artistic community, exchange, business and work for artists. Changed working situations and the resulting challenges for (Zurich-based) artists are to be taken into account with specific funding formats. 

Artist-oriented funding focuses on the (changed) working conditions of artists and seeks sustainable support for artistic work and practice. Artistic careers must be given just as much consideration as specific production methods espoused by (Zurich-based) artists or difficult market conditions for cultural creation.

Digitalisation enables (almost) all areas of cultural activity and impact, such as artistic work, cultural offerings or the management of cultural enterprises. Digital transformation opens the way for economically low-threshold modes of production of art, culture and knowledge. Moreover, it offers potential for testing new forms of participation.

The complex, rapidly changing production and reception conditions of culture are to be taken into account with flexible instruments and procedures. Agile methods should enable early trial results in an adaptable process, allowing changes to be planned for from the outset.