This autumn, high-profile academics, activists and creatives are gathering to tackle questions about the future of education through conversations, readings, participatory workshops and commissioned performances.
Covering the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), importance of creative arts, and issues of learning and unlearning in relation to race, gender, and disability, the season aims to lead conversations with audiences around the world.
Dr Kevin Guyan, Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Edinburgh said: “As a collaborator on the Futures Institute seasons, I am thrilled to be involved in events that lead rather than follow the conversations that are shaping how we understand and change our world.
“Edinburgh Futures Institute’s curated programme is a masterclass in how to bring together thinkers and doers from a diverse range of sectors and industries, translating thorny ideas into practical actions that resonate with engaged audiences.
“The seasons are exciting and bold – I can’t wait to see what they have planned next.”
Artificial Intelligence
The season opened with a conversation between acclaimed novelist Jeanette Winterson and Ameca, the most advanced humanoid robot. This, and all the hybrid events, are available to watch live or after the event on Edinburgh Future Institute’s (EFI) website.
Other AI focused events will delve into topics such as videogames and pedagogy, the future of AI in schools, and a dance performance incorporating a machine learning choreographic tool.
Creative arts
A series of workshops will offer collaborative art making through performance video, music, poetry, and song, including an Entangled Performing workshop with artist Karen Christopher. As with previous seasons, there will be a Utopia Lab workshop where participants will be asked to imagine visions of utopia through a collaborative design project.
Race, gender and disability
Learning and unlearning in relation to race, gender and disability will be explored through a panel exploring Black presence and Black Studies, another imagining feminist techonofutures in education, an event looking at creating a new Scots lexicon of LGBT+ words, and a project investigating deafness, sound and AI through participatory research.
Edinburgh Futures Conversations: The Future of Education
The season includes three Edinburgh Futures Conversations bringing together a panel of high-profile leaders, thinkers, and activists to discuss ‘The Future of Education’.
The first, on 21 October, focused on Crisis, examining education’s role amid climate change, conflict, and social unrest. A panel of high-profile leaders and campaigners, including voices from students in Pakistan and Gaza, highlighted education’s resilience in crisis.
Utopia is the focus on 29 October, exploring visionary and democratic futures for education. A panel of academics, activists, and creatives will challenge the current paradigms of economic-driven policies and standardization.
The final conversation on 26 November focuses on the theme of AI as a significant disruptor that promises to reshape education. This panel gathers researchers, writers, and thinkers to discuss AI’s implications for education’s future.
Take part
Learning Curves started earlier in October and runs until 6 December 2024.
You can explore the full programme of free events, and catch up on previous sessions, on the EFI website: