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

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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

  • 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.

  • 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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What We Did

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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.

Changing Relationships with Earth

● nature Knows Best

Nature provides a blueprint for us to rebuild, reuse, and renew.

  • “

    “I felt invited into the conversation, in the space, as I never felt before at a museum or art gallery… into conversation.”

    — ANONYMOUS PARTICIPANT

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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!