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Join the debate, ask probing questions, learn practical skills and be inspired.

 Vivid Ideas, is set to bring 23 days and nights of bold future-facing talks, hands-on workshops and industry shaping forums from 24 May to 15 June 2019 as part of Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere.

This year, leading thinkers, creators and innovators across the tech, design, and culture spectrums will take a closer look at how technology is connecting and disconnecting society and delve deeper into the meaning of loveloneliness and belonging in our fast-paced, ever-connected lives.

“The 2019 Vivid Ideas program is dedicated to exchanging ideas and fresh thinking by getting the experts to tackle the big issues such as mental health and wellbeing with creativity,” Curator Vivid Ideas, Tory Loudon said.

“We want audiences to get involved and be inspired to think beyond the status quo and find new and meaningful ways of living in this ever increasing digitalised online world.”

Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer – Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase said Vivid Ideas also reinforced Sydney’s status as the Creative Arts Hub of the Asia Pacific.”

“Vivid Sydney is where art, technology and commerce intersect with three weeks of game changing ideas and seminars, amazing music and light sculptures transforming the Harbour City, attracting the best local and international talent in their fields,” Ms Chipchase said.

VIVID IDEAS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The New Horizons series at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will tune into signals from the future and brings together leading experts to tackle global and local issues in a bid to make tomorrow brighter.

This year’s line-up includes Future of Sex researcher and podcast creator Bryony Cole charting the frontiers of sextech, Marc Fennell: Dying for Company will explore the correlation between overwork, depression and loneliness in Japan and Eileen Ormsby will take us deeper into the dark underbelly of the web. Scientists and researchers from UTS, the ABC and CSIRO will also shed light on what’s coming next in AI and ethics, tech and wellbeing and space explorations.

The 2019 Game Changers will challenge assumptions on race and relationships. Hollywood trailblazer Spike Lee opens up about his personal politics, story-craft and tips for making movies that matter, while iconic psychotherapist and creator of the wildly popular podcast Where Should We Begin? Esther Perel investigates modern love in the digital age and looks at the ways relationships are being affected by technology. With both shows sold-out ticket holders are in for a rare treat.

Back by popular demand, The Mark Colvin Conversation will focus on Net Worth. Pulitzer prize-winning author, Sebastian Smee, will argue for the value of an inner life, psychologist Jocelyn Brewer will unpack the correlation between sleep deprivation, depression and social media use, while artist and author Holly Throsby will share her insights into how to make space and nurture creativity in a hyper connected world.

Vivid Art After Hours returns to the Art Gallery of NSW for free Wednesday evenings that combine art activities, live music and talks by Australia’s brightest creative thinkers addressing issues of belonging. Comedian and ‘bad Buddhist’ Meshel Laurie, rapper, poet and author Omar Musa and artist Abdul Abdullah will explore cultural identity, while the team behind the hit ABC TV show You Can’t Say That celebrates social diversity. Guests are encouraged to stay for live music from OKENYO, Andrew Bukenya’s musical tribute to Spike Lee and experience Jonathan Zwartz’s Apollo 11 moon landing mixed-tape, Lunar Module. Join in the other free activities such as mindfulness exercises, drawing workshops and curator and artist floor talks.

The Citizens of the World program at the City Recital Hall and other how-to session workshops will unlock essential skills for living a more creative, better informed and fulfilled life. Join City of Sydney’s Councillor Jess Miller and a panel of young and old change agents in How to be an Activist and collectively tackle the big social issues. Learn How to Write an Opinion Piece that gets noticed with renowned Guardian Australian columnist Van Badham and harness your creativity in How to Create a Short Documentary with Impact on your mobile phone.

The Vivid Ideas Exchange will once again reside on Level 6 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

Some of the Vivid Ideas Exchange program highlights include:

Curious about Generation Next? Head to Junkee Media’s annual youth research forum, A Gender For Change, this year focusing on young Australian women, as well as How Millennials Will Destroy and Save Us, Next Gen Female Innovatorsand Awesome Sauce – Spreading Awesome Ideas.

  • A Healthy Future and The Untimed Life reveals a growing interest in health, wellness and the ways our buildings and cities affect the happiness of communities.
  • Looking for female empowerment in the business and creative field? The Curvy Creative Women’s Conference connects thriving career women together to share their invaluable insightsMeet the Next Gen Female Innovators shaping business today at Future Women, presented by TV news presenter, Sylvia Jeffreys.
  • Bring the whole family to Creative Thinking and Inventing for Kids, Rhodes Creative sessions and the fantastically futuristic Human Robot Friendship Ball.
  • Design-led enthusiasts will enjoy the Future Forward series in design, sport and fashionOr learn to design with sustainability in mind with IKEA- Future Design and How Style Can Save The World.

Vivid Ideas offers sessions for those looking to launch new businesses right through to industry deep dives for experts in their field such as Semi Permanent,Audiocraft Podcast Festival, and World Business Forum.

So attend for short bursts of inspiration at breakfast or lunchtime and learn hands-on and practical skills. If you want to hear the latest in creative thinking and innovation, this is the place for you.