Media Futures: A Creative Showcase Imagining How We Make Meaning in an Age of Noise & Divides

Future of Us Event Link We live at a time when access to information is nearly infinite, yet our tools to make sense of it all are struggling to keep pace. This event explores visions for a world where media is reinvented to respond to emerging realities, local cultures, and the urgent need for creative sensemaking. About the Event: We will be rethinking our broken media landscape, and the emerging visions for the more creative, intentional, and community-driven models that could take its place. There will be panels, community conversations, creative performances, a workshop, and live music. Note: Programming is located on the rooftop–we recommend dressing in layers; blankets and heat lamps provided. Come and go as you please –and don't forget to make time for exploring our exhibitions. Schedule of Events: 3:00pm - 10:00pm – Exhibitions Open 5:00 – 7:00pm | Making Sense: The Importance of Art, Story & Meaning in an Age of Infinite Information 5:00pm — Framing: AI is Information — What We Need is Meaning Making Stephanie Fine Sasse, Founder, The Plenary, Co. 5:10pm — Performance: Parallax 5:25pm — Creative Sensemaking Conversation Dr. Lonny J Avi Brooks , Co-Founder and Creative Director, AfroRithm Futures Group Marina Gorbis , Executive Director, Institute for the Future 6:00pm — Wrap-Up Prompt B Patt, Co-Founder/CEO, Nothin But Hits 6:15pm — Live Music: Leah Woods 7:00 – 10:00pm | Keep it Local: Imagining Local Media Ecosystems That Put Community & Relationships First 7:00pm — Opening Remarks 7:10pm — Panel: Future of Local Media in SF Amanda Guest , Executive Director, BFF.fm Darryl Holliday , Founder, Commoner Company Michelle Meow , Producer & Host, Michelle Meow Show 7:45pm — Workshop: Co-Creating a Local News Zine — what does this community think is news? Avy Jetter, Founder, Oakland Creates Art, Comics & Zine Fest 8:40pm — BATS Improv : Throwback to Creative Sensemaking 9:00pm — Live Music: Shanté What to Expect: Art Exhibits: Immersive artist installations featuring 100+ original works turning real community visions – collected across our year-long Visions Tour – into future worlds you can feel. Live Music: Live sets and performances curated by Nothin But Hits to turn our rooftop lounge into a space for joy, culture, and connection. Speakers & Workshops: Intimate talks and hands-on sessions that explore the ideas, perspectives, and possibilities shaping what's next. Lounge areas: Cozy spaces with conversation prompts and reflection cards to spark conversation. Talking to strangers highly encouraged. Gift Shop: Festival prints, custom candles, and limited-edition keepsakes – take a little of the future home with you. Food & Drinks: Light snacks and local, non-alcoholic beverages. Bar opens at 5pm (drinks available for purchase) Planning Your Day : A Day in Dogpatch Think of Future of Us HQ as a pop-up civic third space. You are welcome to show up and stay a while, or come and go throughout the day. Enjoy the rooftop, hang out in the lounges, and make sure to put aside plenty of time to browse the stories and visions dreamed up by your neighbors across the country. New to Dogpatch? This neighborhood is a hybrid of the best of SF – art meets science, history meets the future, nature meets design. Eat, drink, play & shop at Building 12 Check out beautiful Bayside Parks and Green Spaces Learn more about all the wonderful food, drink, and activities the neighborhood has to offer Parking & Transportation Street parking is available but limited. We recommend rideshare or public transportation. The Pearl is easy to reach by Muni and a short walk from the T-Third line. Accessibility & Considerations The HQ is wheelchair accessible; the event spans three floors, including both stairs and elevators. The exhibits are largely visual, but written materials are currently only available in English. Accessibility is important to us – if you have specific accommodation requests, please reach out to future@theplenary.co to discuss what's…