Milan, Italy – A significant cultural exchange program between Milan and Jakarta commenced yesterday, May 12, 2026, focusing on public art, citizen participation, and urban governance. This initiative is a core component of the “Leadership Exchange Program” organized by the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).
Milan Selected for Innovative Cultural Co-creation
Milan, through the collaborative efforts of the MUDEC – Museum of Cultures and the Public Art in Public Spaces Office, has been chosen as one of 19 cities globally to participate in the third cycle of this international program. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the program aims to foster the sharing of innovative practices and solutions to address contemporary urban challenges through culture.
For five days, Milan will host a delegation from the Indonesian capital, comprising institutional representatives, artists, and cultural professionals. The program includes meetings with administrators, cultural operators, and active citizens to discuss urban art, museum participation, widespread cultural programs, and community-led memorialization practices.
Jakarta to Host Milanese Delegation in July
In July, a Milanese delegation will travel to Jakarta to delve into cultural activation projects in the “Kampoong” districts. They will also explore Jakarta’s extensive cultural ecosystem, which includes approximately 500 creative spaces and 79 museums.
Yesterday afternoon, Tommaso Sacchi, Milan’s Councillor for Culture, welcomed the Jakarta delegation, including the city’s Vice-Governor, Rano Karno, at the MUDEC – Museum of Cultures. During the meeting, they presented participatory public art activities initiated in 2024 and discussed the upcoming participatory reinstallation of the museum’s collections.
Culture as a Unifying Force for Cities
Councillor Sacchi emphasized the shared conviction between Milan and Jakarta: “Culture is the thread that holds cities together. It unites communities, fosters citizen well-being, attracts visitors, and boosts the economy. Milan believes in culture as a lever for participation, inclusion, and urban transformation, not merely as an ornament. The dialogue with Jakarta is a concrete opportunity to engage with those who, like us, prioritize people, public space, and local identities. It is by bringing together institutions, artists, and citizens that we build more open, creative, and socially conscious cities.”
The Jakarta delegation includes notable figures such as Arista Nurbaya, who is involved in updating cultural policies at national and international levels, Ristra Herdania Arditha from the Bureau of Regional Cooperation, and artists Muhammad Aidil Usman, Lambertus Berto Tukan, and Mochammad Shabar Untung.
Exploring Milan’s Cultural Landscape
Following the initial stop at MUDEC, the exchange continues today with a visit to the “15-minute city” concept, showcasing the co-creation of permanent public art installations in the San Siro district as part of the “MUDEC outdoor” program, and the ArtLine sculpture park, which recently inaugurated its latest artwork during the last Art Week.
On the third day, the delegation will explore civic participation in memorializing historical figures and events in Milan, with a focus on the “Milano e Memoria” project housed at Palazzo Marino. The fourth day will conclude at Palazzo Reale, where the delegates will learn about the city’s system of widespread events and public calls that populate Milan’s cultural calendar, from “Milano è Viva” to “Piano City” and “Milano Music Week,” highlighting these as moments of pervasive musical performance art throughout the city.
Milan’s Commitment to the World Cities Culture Forum
This initiative is part of the activities promoted by the World Cities Culture Forum, an international network of which Milan has been a member since 2018 through its Department of Culture.
