ILLUMINATIONS
An illustrated journey through the issues shaping our futures.
Co-created by artists, scientists, storytellers, and educational designers, “Illuminations” is a space about where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s about ideas, science, and the systems that surround us. It’s about exploration, inspiration, and connection. And most importantly, it’s about possibilities. “Illuminations” premiered in San Francisco in October 2023.
Supported by
Our worlds are shaped by forces we rarely see and evidence we rarely hear.
We live in a society brimming with knowledge and ideas that never get put to use – not because they aren’t worth trying, but because they’re locked behind jargon and paywalls or spread across communities that rarely talk to each other. Our lives leave little room for in-depth exploration of topics that matter to us, and our systems don’t make it any easier. Despite access to nearly infinite information, access to insight is a lot harder to come by.
Illuminations is an experiment in gathering those insights, bridging perspectives, and inviting people into the center of conversations with the potential to change our worlds.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
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The Science
REAL WORLD INSIGHTS
With support from Simons Foundation, the showcase was crafted by a team of scientists, designers, artists, and educators with input from topical experts and members of the San Francisco community. In line with The Plenary, Co.’s mission, the showcase aims to provide a creative gathering space for the public to explore, connect, and reflect on complex issues. We explore insights gathered from across fields and lenses, all in one place. Throughout the showcase, participants were able to connect with local experts, try new things, and discover ways to stay engaged.
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The Art
Centering Science Storytelling
We explored six interactive spaces, each illustrated by a different artist to creatively explore worldshaping ideas. This isn’t your average art show or science exhibit. Its goal is to put participants at the center of the experience through opportunities to engage with local experts and each other. Each of six exhibitions focus on themes related to a social or environmental issue, featuring original illustrations by artists from around the world. These interactive spaces, each illustrated by a different artist to creatively explore world-shaping ideas. Illuminations features over 30 original artworks from around the world.
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The Sound
An Imaginative Backdrop
Masika Henson is a storyteller and DJ who specializes in climate resilience, environmental policy, marine and freshwater ecosystems, urban ecology... and of course, music. As an audiophile and change agent committed to all aspects of sustainability, having Masika create our original soundscape for “Illuminations” was a no-brainer. She provided the audio backdrop for the exhibition, finding ways to extend the themes of imagination and exploration into the atmosphere.
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The Community
Connecting San Francisco
Over 2000+ people from all over the city came out to experience our showcase in Downtown SF. This really brought some vibrance into the city that was so refreshing. We also held 3 community nights for: artists, first responders, and the food + beverage industry. Each of these nights were completely free and celebrated different threads throughout our San Francisco community.
What We Did
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An illustrated journey through the issues shaping our futures
This interactive art and science experience was a vibrant community showcase to explore the issues facing people and the planet. Co-created by artists, scientists, storytellers, and educational designers, “Illuminations” is a multisensory, interactive experience designed to put communities at the center of critical conversations.
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Exploring World-Shaping ideas
These interactive spaces, each illustrated by a different artist to creatively explore world-shaping ideas. Illuminations features over 30 original artworks from around the world.
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Learning through all senses
Participants enjoyed music, food, craft cocktails, and lounges where they could reflect, peruse the show’s hand book, and digest the ideas with members of the community.
6 interactive exhibits
These interactive spaces, each illustrated by a different artist to creatively explore world-shaping ideas. Illuminations features over 30 original artworks from around the world.
Embracing Imagination
● Imagine That
So much of what surrounds us was once imagined, and we can reimagine it.
Pursuing Environmental Equity
● The Green Gap
The same systems that harm the planet also harm the people least responsible for them.
Cultivating Openness
● Ok But Why?
So much of what surrounds us was once imagined, and we can reimagine it.
Considering the Future of AI
● Intelligent Life
AI conversations happening now could shape generations – and we are living at the center of them.
Changing Relationships with Earth
● nature Knows Best
Nature provides a blueprint for us to rebuild, reuse, and renew.
Combatting Misinformation
● Knowing Better
Without a strategy, more information doesn’t always lead to more knowledge.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the digital space.
You can now see what we experienced through The Plenary Commons. Come check out the incredible artwork, resource collection, take-home experiences, and more!