What if we had more spirited creative engaging unique interactive ways to explore issues that matter?
The Plenary, Co. is an art & science engagement nonprofit that designs vibrant community experiences to unlock the insights and energy we need to create more beautiful, sustainable, and equitable futures.
Let’s bring
ideas to life.
Society’s growing challenge isn’t a lack of knowledge – it’s a lack of pathways that make that knowledge usable, integrated, and aligned with the realities of our lives. We need spaces that inspire openness and connect communities, where nuance, imagination, and the best versions of ourselves and our ideas can thrive.
We can do better than comment sections and talking heads.
When it comes to making sense of new ideas, we’re naturally drawn to experiences where we get our senses stimulated, our hands dirty, and our voices heard. Only problem is: there aren’t many ways to do that... yet. The Plenary is crafting multiple pathways that make it easier and more rewarding to stay on top of the real world issues that impact our lives.We produce imaginative works, social gatherings, interactive media, games, and exploratory exhibitions designed to co-create more informed, equitable, and sustainable communities.
Live public lounges and interactive exhibitions that explore issues through art, science, and storytelling.
Seasonal deep dives using creative materials and gatherings that can be experienced live or in your own home.
Experimental works that support novel creative and scholarly inquiry.
Trainings, gatherings, and special events reserved for personalized learning experiences.
“OK But Why”
the plenary X islenia milien
EXPLORATION
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COMMUNITY
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LEARNING
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OPENNESS
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IMAGINATION
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CREATION
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PROBLEM-SOLVING
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CURIOSITY
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EXPLORATION
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COMMUNITY
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EXPLORATION • COMMUNITY • LEARNING • OPENNESS • IMAGINATION • CREATION • PROBLEM-SOLVING • CURIOSITY • EXPLORATION • COMMUNITY •
WHAT WE’RE UP TO
Issues we tackle:
We focus on issues that are insight-driven, meaning they aren’t just a matter of values or opinions. They are also perennial, meaning they keep coming back, even if they’ve faded from the headlines!
science reflects the biases of society.
it’s not a new thing for words to change their meaning. “bully” used to mean “Sweetheart”.
the people most hurt by environmental damage often had little to do with causing it.
it’s shockingly easy to think you remember things that never happened.
curiosity is cuter than confidence.
you are more likely to believe something because of who you know than what you know.
At the Plenary we craft energizing, inclusive, & creative pathways through issues that impact all of us.
WE COLLABORATE.
The term “plenary” refers to gatherings where everyone comes together. At The Plenary, we invite experts and collaborators from across arts, sciences, and communities to help shape our initiatives.
Featured Projects
THE CLUBHOUSE
A space to connect and explore issues through gatherings, games, stories, and creative works.
The Clubhouse is a hub where we host creative gatherings, social events, conversations, and experiences where people can explore world-shaping issues together.
Clubhouse collections are centered around key critical themes, each aligned with one of our four issue areas.
Each collection is comprised of exclusive content for our members, virtual and in-person events, creative experiences for exploring the topic of the moment.
UPCOMING COLLECTIONS
STAY OPEN
• HUMAN SYSTEMS
A social challenge to investigate the forces that keep us open (or closed) to new possibilities.
SUPERHUMAN
• SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
A cinematic partnership exploring cutting edge frontiers of biotechnology and health.
UNINTENDED
• SUSTAINABILITY
A multimedia experience exploring the unintended consequences of people on the planet.
in each collection
Issue Edits
Original Artworks
Live (& At-Home) Gatherings
Periodical
At-home Challenges
Member Gifts
EVERY COLLECTION
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
INTRODUCING:
Illuminations
An Interactive
Art & Science Exhibition in
San Francisco, CA.
OCTOBER 7 - 28, 2023 • THE FOUNDRY SF
Illuminations is a multi-sensory showcase & social gathering.
Co-created by artists, scientists, storytellers, and educational designers, Illuminations is a dynamic way to explore connections between sustainability, technology, human bias & our everyday lives.
Six dynamic exhibits and lounges, each exploring a specific topic & theme.
Surrounded by food, drinks, and music, each exhibit creates a micro-world where participants can explore a particular issue through scientific storytelling, collaborative artworks, interactive lounges, and real world calls-to-action.
Want to LEARN MORE?
Ways to engage with US:
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By becoming a member of the Clubhouse, you can join the growing community of supporters and patrons who make our work possible. Your monthly or annual donations help us stay independent, creative, and able to invest in developing the most promising pathways towards curious, open, and informed communities.
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Most of our initiatives are for adults, but we do have a few tricks up our sleeves for the next generation as well. Check out how we’re working to break stereotypes in classrooms and inspire the next generation of knowledge keepers and seekers.
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Private events, gatherings, and trainings provide an opportunity for us to create meaningful, tailored experiences, while also supporting our work to engage the public with critical ideas. It’s a win-win.
SHOP COLLECTIONS
Everyone loves merch, but we try to keep our collection focused and intentional, bringing you sustainably-produced, ethically-sourced, and artisan-crafted products that support and exemplify our mission.
Our featured supporters & partners:
Our generous funders, sponsors, and partners make it possible for us to keep going and growing.