The Future Now Symposium is an exploration of 21st century culture through the mechanism of art, running 28 April – 1 May. This multidisciplinary four-day virtual event brings together key institutions, galleries, publications and artists for live-streamed discussions surrounding the most pressing issues from today’s creative industries. Through imaginative debates, panel discussions, career advice and cultural engagement, Future Now is a platform for idea generation.
Future Now finds a new home in an accessible online space for 2021. This year, our sessions are available to stream from the comfort of your home. Ahead of this year’s event, we ask 10 questions with our key speakers.
Name, title and organisation?
Skinder Hundal, Director of Arts, British Council.
How would you describe your role?
I work with the arts teams at British Council – helping to devise and oversee our global arts programme. The projects operate in the UK and across 110 countries.
The best part about what you do?
The British Council delivers great art to millions of people across the globe. My role allows me to support global teams as they design life-changing arts programmes – supporting thousands of artists and transforming lives.
Your most significant project to date?
Doug Fishbone’s Leisure Land Golf at the 56th Venice Biennale. Also John Akomfrah’s African Soldier, part of the Imperial War Museum’s 14-18 NOW exhibition.
Favourite piece of art?
An experience that really sticks with me is Jitish Kallat’s curation at the 2014 Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
The best in-person or virtual exhibition / event you’ve attended in the last year?
Nikhil Chopra’s gorgeous film Remembering Being There and Hetain Patel’s cinematic work Don’t Look at The Finger, screened at Art Exchange, University of Essex.
Biggest take-away from 2020?!
Life is very precious.
Lessons to take forward into 2021?
We must have kind, open hearts and keep those we have lost alive in our hearts. In doing this, we can build friendships and be creative together in powerful ways.
What are you most looking forward to exploring in your session at Future Now?
The challenge of speaking for an hour and leaving the session with a renewed sense and purpose.
Other sessions you’re looking forward to attending?
100 Films On Demand looks great! Hearing my old buddy Hassan Hajjaj is always a huge treat too.
Skinder Hundal will speak on Cultural Relations:
Global Challenges, Saturday 1 May, 11:30-12:30 BST.
The Future Now Symposium runs 28 April – 1 May (Live), 2 – 31 May (On Demand). Tickets are available now, starting from £20.
