Art for Tomorrow 

 

Art for Tomorrow

May 12-14, 2025

Organized by


Art for Tomorrow 2025

Overcoming, Together

In 2025 the world is facing unprecedented challenges, many of them rooted in the inequalities that have only been exacerbated by the triple threat of political, economic and climate crises. These challenges can lead to fracture and isolation, turning away from each other instead of coming together, and leaving the most vulnerable behind. But change will only come if we turn outward instead of inward, to our friends, our communities and our planet. 

Art for Tomorrow 2025 is about tapping into this shared humanity to learn about creative solutions to the most entrenched problems. From May 12-14, we will convene influential figures from  the arts, design and architecture in Milan, to explore the impact that these fields can and do have on society.

The beautiful setting of the Milan Triennial, where this year’s event will be hosted, is the perfect setting in which to consider contemporary challenges. Art for Tomorrow is proud to be collaborating with both the Triennale, whose theme this year is  “Inequalities,” and with Milan Art Week, whose theme is “among friends.” We will also explore Milan’s vibrant cultural landscape, venturing into museums, performance spaces and design studios to see the arts in action.

Here is a sampling of some of the topics we’ll be discussing in the plenary sessions:

  • Exclusive one-on-one conversations between New York Times journalists and leading figures
  • Community-driven arts 
  • Migration as a boon for creativity
  • Art in times of war
  • Biodiversity celebration
  • The power of sound art
  • Reviving cultural heritage
  • Forging public/private partnerships

            ...and many more

View the programming brief


Art for Tomorrow 2024 Speakers

Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck

Creator
John Akomfrah

John Akomfrah

Artist and Filmmaker
Sean Scully

Sean Scully

Artist
Mariët Westermann

Mariët Westermann

Director and C.E.O., Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation
Melissa Chiu

Melissa Chiu

Director, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bryan Stevenson

Bryan Stevenson

Lawyer, Social Justice Activist and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative
Lina Ghotmeh

Lina Ghotmeh

Architect
Amos Gitai

Amos Gitai

Filmmaker

 

Art for Tomorrow 2024 Moderators

 

Farah Nayeri

Farah Nayeri

Culture Writer, The New York Times
Pamela Paul

Pamela Paul

Columnist, The New York Times
Roslyn Sulcas

Roslyn Sulcas

Culture Writer, The New York Times
Scott Reyburn

Scott Reyburn

Journalist

2024 Image Gallery

Watch 2023 Florence Highlights

Join the Conversation

Follow us on our social channels and hear the latest news and views on cultural issues.