ILLUMINATIONS

An Interactive Art & Science Experience

Illuminations is an illustrated journey through the issues shaping our futures.

october 2023 • san francisco, ca
IMAGINATION
COMMUNITY
EXPLORATION

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.

this program is supported by:

WHAT WE

EXPERIENCED

  • We explored six interactive spaces, each illustrated by a different artist to creatively explore worldshaping ideas. Illuminations featured over 30 original artworks from around the world.

  • We explored insights gathered from across fields and lenses, all in one place. Throughout the showcase, we participated in installations, connected with local experts, and discovered ways to stay engaged.

  • We enjoyed music, food, drinks, and lounges where participants reflected, perused the show’s hand book, and digested the ideas with members of the community.

Think of it as a creative and social way to explore ideas and get in-the-know.

Each unique lounge creates a micro-world where participants can explore a particular issue, including scientific storytelling, collaborative artworks, interactive lounges, and real world calls-to-action.

AN IMAGINATIVE APPROACH to
EXPLORING CRITICAL ISSUEs

Featured Issues

  • Sustainability

    Nature-inspired, evidence-based possibilities for beautiful and sustainable futures

  • Imagination

    Research-backed ways that individual and collective imagination drive change

  • Bias & Identity

    Exploring the forces and biases that shape our cultures, beliefs, and attachments

  • Futures of AI

    The risks and opportunities of emerging technologies using artificial intelligence

  • Environmental Equity

    Aligning the wellbeing of people and the planet

  • Combatting Misinformation

    Practicing new shortcuts for responsibly engaging with testable claims

THE EXHIBITS

Want more?

Stay tuned for our virtual experiences through our Clubhouse coming Spring 2024.

WHO’S INVOLVED

Illuminations is an initiative of The Plenary, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated unlocking collective knowledge and imagination to build a better world.

Over the past two years, our team has reviewed countless research, interviewed multidisciplinary experts, and collaborated with artists and designers to craft a show designed with our community in mind. We are so thankful for all the energy, time, contributions, and knowledge that have gone into making Illuminations a reality.

Team Spotlights

Key Partners & Supporters

ILLUMINATIONS waS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF SCIENCE SANDBOX, AN INITIATIVE OF THE SIMONS FOUNDATION.

OUR APPROACH

Experts & Evidence

We spent two years integrating research, scholarship, and media from across fields and perspectives. The result is a diverse body of insights that serves as a starting point for staying informed.

Community Insights

Co-shaped through conversations with members of our communities, the Illuminations showcase was designed to align with the priorities and realities of the public.

Creative Design

Civic and scientific engagement should be anything but boring. We’ve centered you – not the talking heads – in designing an experience that’s dynamic, vibrant, and filled with surprises.

Real World Strategies

We constantly hear from people who care about these issues but don’t know where to start. We’ve done the legwork to bring you practical next steps and actions to stay engaged.

Thanks for making Illuminations a success!

Stay tuned for the full Illuminations recap and virtual experiences coming in our Clubhouse Winter 2024.

We can’t wait to share it with you!

Thank you to our participants!

HELP FUND MORE EVENTS LIKE THIS

All our work is 100% funded by supporters and partners like you. Any amount, large or small, helps make our future showcases just as impactful as this one.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS + VIDEOS

Take some fun content of you exploring the It’s Only Human show? We’d love to see! Send us your photos and videos so we can share them with our community!

For more information about helping in our other programs, please check out our Opportunities and Needs.