Bob Iger Stresses Value of Communal Cultural Experiences in World “Rife With Disruption and Polarization” at PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala
Bob Iger was honoured as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at a gala in lower Manhattan, where performers and colleagues celebrated his decades-long career at Disney. He used the occasion to argue that art and culture matter especially in a world marked by disruption, anxiety and polarisation, because shared experiences can bring people together.
The event featured Ariana DeBose, Nick Jonas, Samara Joy and Rufus Wainwright, alongside songs from Disney productions including Newsies, Aladdin and Frozen. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul performed “The Show Goes On”, a new song from the stage version of The Greatest Showman, due to begin performances in London in spring 2027. Mickey Mouse and Jiminy Cricket also appeared; Iger’s forthcoming memoir, One Last Time, is named after a song from Hamilton.
In short
- Bob Iger received PAC NYC’s 2026 Icon of Culture honour.
- He said shared cultural experiences are vital amid disruption and polarisation.
- The gala featured Disney music and a new song from The Greatest Showman stage show.
Explained simply
Bob Iger is a business executive best known for leading Disney, the entertainment company behind film studios, television, theme parks and live shows. His career has included overseeing major changes in how Disney makes and distributes entertainment.
PAC NYC is a performing arts centre in lower Manhattan, New York. Its Icons of Culture gala recognises people whose work has had a notable place in arts and entertainment.
Disney productions are watched and performed around the world, so their songs and characters can be familiar to people with different backgrounds. The event reflects a wider discussion about whether shared cultural experiences can help people connect during periods of social division.
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