Art & Science at SFMOMA
Art and science are often cast as opposites — one driven by feeling, the other by fact. But both begin in the same place: wonder, curiosity, and the urge to understand our world.
This session brings together artists and scientists to explore visions for a future where these two ways of knowing inform and enrich each other.
About the Event:
Part of a three-day series at SFMOMA exploring the essential role of art and imagination in shaping our collective futures. Each day asks a single, layered question — what happens when art meets science, technology, nature, and civic life?
Expect multimedia shows that blend live performance, community visions, receptions for connection, and big-idea conversations, alongside fellow-led experiences and a pop-up from the Institute for the Future.
Art&Tech is the first of two sessions happening back-to-back. We encourage you to attend Art&Science as well, but ask that you register separately so we can plan accordingly.
Produced in collaboration with SFMOMA, the Institute for the Future, Labocine, and a coalition of artists and civic builders.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Performanmce by:
Hannah Bahney, Contemporary Dancer
Flash Talks & Panel: Four Artist & Scientist Visions
Amy Karle, Ultra-contemporary Artist, Designer & Researcher
Tanisha Hill-Jarrett, Neuropsychologist & Research Scientist
Christine Liu, Artist & Researcher
Catie Cuan, Roboticist & Artist
7:00pm – Reception in the Koret Education Center
Drinks, light bites, and open conversation
Visit the Future Photobooth by Institute for the Future and the Sincerely, San Francisco time capsule booth
Special presentation from YesSF's climate innovators
What to Expect:
Activations: Join us in the Koret Education Center for rotating creative activations led by our Partners and Fellows. See your future self thriving in the Future Photobooth by Institute for the Future and contribute to a time capsule with Sincerely, San Francisco.
Creative Performance: Music, poetry, and dance curated to turn our stage into a space for embodied storytelling.
Speakers & Visions: Panels and visual presentations that explore the ideas, perspectives, and possibilities shaping what's next.
Reception: Join us after the formal programming to connect with your fellow participants over drinks and light bites.
All Future of Us Events at SFMOMA:
Thursday, July 9:
Art&Tech: A Creative Showcase of Visions & Ideas
Art&Science: A Creative Showcase of Visions & Ideas
Future Tables: An Art + Tech Fine Dining Convergence
Future Photobooth: Explore artifacts from the future & get a snapshot of yourself in 2036
Friday, July 10:
Future Photobooth: Explore artifacts from the future & get a snapshot of yourself in 2036
FutureCast: Help produce a podcast from 25 years in the future
Sincerely, San Francisco: An Interactive Time Capsule (Booth-Only)
Saturday, July 11:
Art&Nature: A Creative Showcase of Visions & Ideas
Art&Us: A Creative Showcase of Visions & Ideas
Sincerely, San Francisco: An Interactive Time Capsule Experience (Live Hosted)
Love Letters to the Future: An Experiment in Collective Imagination
Planning:
Parking & Transportation
SFMOMA is at 151 Third Street in SoMa, a few blocks from the Montgomery St BART and Muni Metro stations. Many bus lines stop within a block near 3rd & Mission. The Salesforce Transit Center is two blocks away. We recommend public transit — parking in SoMa is limited and pricey, though SFMOMA's garage at 147 Minna St is a short walk from the entrance.
Accessibility & Considerations
SFMOMA is committed to an accessible experience for all visitors. All entrances and floors are accessible to those using wheeled devices, with an accessible drop-off at Third Street and push-button doors. Wheelchairs, gallery stools, and canes can be checked out free at Coat Check. Braille and large-print guides, audio descriptions, a sensory guide for quiet spaces, and a social narrative are all available. They are often able to accommodate additional requests made in advance. For full details, see SFMOMA's accessibility page: sfmoma.org/visit/accessibility
⚡ About the Future of Us Festival
Launching on America's 250th anniversary, the inaugural Future of Us festival is a 10-day celebration of civic imagination and possibility. We're turning community-sourced, expert-crafted visions of the future into art, storytelling, and participatory experiences. Curated by a coalition of artists, scientists, storytellers, and civic builders, the festival features 100+ events spanning every corner of the city (floral labyrinths, speculative future worlds, dance parties with a purpose, and neighborhood meet-ups), it's a living exploration of what a more creative and generative civic culture could feel like. Organized around four themes (Green Futures, Social Futures, Science & Tech Futures, and Media Futures), Future of Us is breaking down the barriers between art, ideas, and each other, and everyone is invited to co-imagine what comes next.
⚡ Learn More: future-of-us.com
⚡ Check out the Schedule of Events: future-of-us.com/events
⚡ Follow Us: https://www.instagram.com/futures.us
About the Organization
Future of Us is stewarded by The Plenary, Co., a 501(c)3 civic arts and sciences nonprofit based in Dogpatch, and co-led by a coalition of partners. All donations are tax-deductible. Make a donation here.