We are currently living in a time of globalisation, expansion and media saturation. There have been considerable shifts in civilisation in the Information Age – we now communicate with each other instantly, yet with an alarming level of disconnect. Through panel discussions, lectures and portfolio reviews, The Future Now Symposium is an exploration of 21st century culture through the mechanism of art.

This two-day event brings together key institutions, galleries and publications for discussion surrounding the most pressing issues from today’s creative industries. Through imaginative debates, career advice and cultural engagement, Future Now is a platform for idea generation.

Topics for 2019 span photography, design, architecture, journalism, artists’ film and curation, with themes including Modes of Consumption: Arts Journalism in the Digital Age; Rethinking Sculpture: Connecting with Objects; Why Materials Matter; How Do You Define a Photograph?; The Politics of Representation; The Business of Art; Do Curators Take Risks? How Exhibitions are Programmed; and How to Get Ahead as an Emerging Artist.

Representatives from the following organisations will be in attendance 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair / Aesthetica / Artnet / BALTIC / British Journal of Photography / Christie’s / DASH / Dazed / DYSPLA / Foam Amsterdam / Frieze / Gazelli Art House / Getty Images Gallery / Goldsmiths University / Harmony Studios / Huxley-Parlour / ING Discerning Eye / Liverpool John Moores Painting Prize / London Art Fair / London College of Communication / Michael Hoppen / Moniker International Art Fair / Open Eye Gallery / RIBA / Royal Academy / Royal College of Art / Tate / The Art Newspaper / The Design Museum / University of York / V&A / York St John University / Yorkshire Sculpture International

Tickets are now available for The Future Now Symposium 2019, 7-8 March at York St John University. Find out more here.

Lead image: Congo, Republic of the Congo, 2013. © Alex Majoli / Magnum Photos.