New Ideas Festival Planned for Basel in 2028 to Challenge Davos

The 'Basel Project' aims to capitalize on potential disruption to the World Economic Forum's dominance

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:12pm

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is facing new competition as a new ideas festival, dubbed the 'Basel Project,' is set to launch in 2028. Spearheaded by James Murdoch and inspired by the success of Art Basel, the Basel Project signals a potential shift in the landscape of global elite gatherings, moving beyond the traditional alpine setting of Davos.

Why it matters

For decades, Davos has been the go-to destination for world leaders, business tycoons, and intellectuals. However, the 2026 WEF meeting was notably influenced by a stronger US presence, fueling speculation about the future dominance of the WEF. The Basel Project aims to capitalize on this potential disruption by offering a different setting and experience, leveraging the existing infrastructure and prestige of Art Basel.

The details

The Basel Project is driven by the Futurific Institute, founded by Kathryn and James Murdoch. Their vision is to create a unique event blending elements of the WEF, the Aspen Ideas Festival, Burning Man, and a Biennale, focusing on not just high-level discussions, but also creativity, innovation, and cultural experiences. The project will be led by Rachel Goslins, a documentary filmmaker and museum director.

  • The first Basel Project event is scheduled for 2028.
  • The 2026 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos was notably influenced by a stronger US presence.

The players

James Murdoch

The co-founder of the Futurific Institute, which is spearheading the Basel Project.

Kathryn Murdoch

The co-founder of the Futurific Institute, which is spearheading the Basel Project.

Rachel Goslins

A documentary filmmaker and museum director who will lead the Futurific Institute and oversee the development of the Basel Project.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who visited the 2026 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

BlackRock

The leadership of the global investment management firm BlackRock was present at the 2026 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

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What they’re saying

“Their vision, as outlined in Vanity Fair, is to create a unique event blending elements of the WEF, the Aspen Ideas Festival, Burning Man, and a Biennale.”

— Rachel Goslins, Documentary filmmaker and museum director

What’s next

The Futurific Institute and the organizers of the Basel Project will continue to develop the event's programming and logistics in the lead-up to the 2028 launch.

The takeaway

The emergence of the Basel Project raises questions about the future of global forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos. While it remains to be seen if the Basel Project will become a genuine competitor, it signals a potential shift in the landscape of elite gatherings, moving towards a more urban, diverse, and culturally-driven experience.