Online: Exploring the Future of Arts, Culture & Technology at ACMI, ACMI, June 2026

Now in its fourth year, FACT (Future of Arts, Culture & Technology) at ACMI returned in 2026 to tackle the big questions shaping technology and its impact on the cultural sector. From artists and musicians to researchers and creative technologists, the symposium brings together the people driving change and asks how we can regain a sense of agency and control in the face of rapidly evolving technologies.

This year’s program included

Preserving Evidence of the Present  How do we ensure the present is not lost to the future? As culture and society grow ever more reliant on constantly updating software and fragile platforms, artists, researchers and organisations are grappling with how to preserve not just static snapshots, but fully operational systems. Moderated by Prof. Sarah Teasley (RMIT University), the panel features Jessica Walthew, Michael Brown, Amelia Berry (Amamelia), Robin Fox (MESS) and Claire Evans (Junior Major).

How We Get To Next turns the lens inward on cultural organisations themselves. A panel of experienced Australian change-makers examines why so many institutions despite recognising the urgent need for transformation,  struggle to make headway in a period of financial, infrastructural and cultural turbulence.

Climate, Culture & Technology explores the intersection of environmental crisis and creative practice. Sophie Lieberman moderates a wide-ranging discussion with Jen Rae (Centre for Reworlding), Tim Shiel (Green Music Australia), Nell Whitley (Marshmallow Laser Feast) and Troy Innocent (Australian Posthuman Summer Lab).