The Future is Human Made: Hands, Work, Power
About this Event
Automation promised us a world in which machines took over hard labour and repetitive tasks, freeing us up for creative, purposeful and dignified work, alongside more time for leisure and craft for craft’s sake. Now, as technology advances, we’re confronting a future in which humans increasingly compete with machines for practices and activities that bring us joy.
None of this is inevitable. QEST’s work is underpinned by a belief in the irreplaceable power of humankind in creating a more sustainable and equitable world. With that in mind our new annual symposium, The Future is Human Made, places craft at the centre of how we think about work and economic development. The title is both an assertion and a call to action: the future is in our hands, and it is ours to shape.
The inaugural edition, Hands, Work, Power, brings together visionary thinkers and expert makers. Together, they’ll explore the role of human skills in solving contemporary challenges and shaping the future. Through the sessions, we ask: what skills and knowledge do we value, and why? What’s the role of craft in our common future?
Session 1
Makers at the forefront of their fields share how they've built viable, ambitious practices grounded in craft and skill. Through short presentations, and a following conversation, they reveal how human skill can compete, adapt and thrive in the contemporary world.
Host: Debika Ray.
Speakers: Cassie Quinn, Annemarie O'Sullivan, Eddy Bennett and Sophie Sellu.
Session 2
Two keynote speakers discuss what it means to bring the values of craft to the world at scale. They explore how those who commission and design our material environments can ensure makers and their skills are at the heart of how we shape our future.
Host: Dr Neal Shasore Hon FRIBA.
Speakers: Jay Osgerby OBE RDI and Alison Brooks OBE.
See full agenda below.
Contact
Have a question about this event? Check out the frequently asked questions below or contact [email protected]
Sponsors & Partners
- Venue Partner - Central Saint Martins
- Developed in collaboration with journalist and editor Debika Ray
More to be announced! For sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Welcome & Introduction
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:15 PM
Session 1
Host: Hosted by Debika Ray
Info: Makers at the forefront of their fields share how they've built viable, ambitious practices grounded in craft and skill. Through short presentations, and a following conversation, they reveal how human skill can compete, adapt and thrive in the contemporary world. Speakers: Cassie Quinn, Annemarie O'Sullivan, Eddy Bennett and Sophie Sellu.
🕑: 05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Break
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Session 2
Host: Hosted by Dr Neal Shasore Hon FRIBA
Info: Our keynote speakers, Jay Osgerby OBE RDI and Alison Brooks OBE, discuss what it means to bring the values of craft to the world at scale. They explore how those who commission and design our material environments can ensure makers and their skills are at the heart of how we shape our future.
🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:45 PM
Closing Remarks
🕑: 06:45 PM - 07:15 PM
Post Event Reception
Info: A glass of wine is included in your ticket price
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 35.00 to GBP 45.00
