Press Release
Future Makers Week Toronto 2024:
Exploring the Edges of Creative Technology, Together
Empowering creators to shape the future of their careers - and their fields.
We Are Entanglement by Haru Ji and Graham Wakefield
October 1, 2024 (Toronto, ON) –
Founded in 2020, Future Makers is an ever-evolving initiative dedicated to nurturing curiosity, dialogue, experimentation, and bravery at the cutting edge of creative technology. Co-created and led by the innovative teams at the City of Toronto’s Creative Technology office and The Creative School at TMU, this dynamic initiative is a testament to the City’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth within Toronto’s creative sector. Through education, collaboration, mentorship, and conversation, Future Makers empowers creators to shape the future of the entertainment industry, solidifying Toronto’s status as a global leader in creative technology.
From industry forecasting to hands-on digital transformation, Future Makers 2024 offers a platform for creators to innovate, learn, and thrive in Toronto’s buzzing creative ecosystem.
“We’re thrilled to bring Future Makers to life in Toronto this fall, offering creators a chance to explore cutting-edge innovations, engage with leading industry voices, and experiment with emerging technologies. Future Makers has always been about empowering creators to push boundaries, and in a rapidly changing world, we offer the tools, guidance, and community they need to shape the future of their careers."
- Ramona Pringle, The Creative School
“Toronto has an incredible ecosystem of creative talent from artists to entrepreneurs making it a global leader in the entertainment industries. Future Makers draws on this talent to create opportunities for the individuals and businesses that make up this thriving sector to continue to build an incredible creative technology industry for now and into the future. We are excited to present the Future Makers 2024, an initiative that embodies curiosity, dialogue, and experimentation at the forefront of creative technology, and the inspiring spirit of this city.”
- Anthea Foyer, Creative Technology, City of Toronto
Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, Future Makers brings together bright minds and bold creators, to enhance the discourse and experiences of creatives and companies pushing the boundaries of the industry.
Join us as we tinker, experiment, and spark meaningful conversations designed to help you shape the creative technologies landscape for years to come.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a creative revolution. Secure your spot now for Future Makers Week Toronto 2024 and join the conversation that will define the future of the entertainment industry.
Schedule of Events:
October 8 12-5, October 9 12-8
Entangled Dimensions: Art in the Age of Neural Media
An exhibit of immersive and interactive art works. Featuring works by Haru Ji, Graham Wakefield, Vladimir Kanic, Jane Tingley, Nava Messas Waxman, Evangeline Y Brooks, Wilfred Lee, Ben McCarthy, Aashana Dhingra, Maykel Shehata, Ryan Allen-Hallam, and Sujay Rambajue, Charis Chu, Crystal Chan, Dione, Jahnoya Cole, Lee Radovitzky, Sarah Morassutti, Harshita Jain
Open to the public, admission is free
October 9, 11am-12pm
The Future of Immersive and Digital Art. Co-Hosted by the Human Feedback Foundation and the Future Maker team.
An enlightening conversation on state of the art artwork. Moderated by David Maggs; Featuring Laura Nanni, Nuit Blanche; Adam Barrett, Luminato; Ryan Kelln, Human Feedback Foundation; Jason Baerg, OCADU; Miriam Arbus, Vector Festival; Vanessa Costa, Secret Location
October 10, 9:30am - 1pm
Fusing Gameplay & Healthcare
Presented by KITE Creates in partnership with the Future Maker team
Explore story driven experiences that fuse interactive technology, clinical insights, and user-centric narrative design to reimagine how we play games. Featuring: Dave Evans, Falling Squirrel; Victoria Evans, Digital Vic; Alison Humphries, YorkU.
October 10, 3-5pm
[Workshop] Active Creation with AI: How to Be More Real with Artificial Intelligence
Join Jason Theodor for a lively and interactive workshop where you remain at the heart of creation. Discover how to make AI your collaborative partner, not just a push-button tool, to actively bring your ideas to life.
October 10, 6-9pm
Join the Future Makers team, along with industry experts and trailblazers, for a series of lively and engaging panels and presentations, including Your 21st Century Career Trajectory: AI from Interns to Execs, The Future of Entertainment, and Biskaabiiyaang: Creating a Path Towards Healing and Reconciliation. With Jarret Leaman, Neishaw Ali, SPIN Effects; Umar Ghuman, Futurist/Marketing; Vikas Gupta, AVARA Media; Rob Elsworthy, Video Games, Zina Rahman, Transitional Forms; Shelley Simmons, Quiver; Sarah Watling, JALI Research, and Rebecca Caines, YorkU.
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.
About The City of Toronto Creative Technology Office
The City of Toronto Creative Technology Office (external link) provides sectoral support to Toronto’s vibrant digital entertainment sector with a focus on immersive / XR, video games and esports. Toronto’s creative technology sector is an economic and creative powerhouse. The future of entertainment is here.
Media inquiries:
Andrea Romero, The Creative School, andrea.romero@torontomu.ca (opens in new window)
Anthea Foyer, The City of Toronto, anthea.Foyer@toronto.ca (opens in new window)