IPAGCon 2023

Shaping the Future Through Art is a theme that highlights the transformational power of artistic expression and its capacity to shape and affect the future. It acknowledges that art in all its forms has the capacity to transcend boundaries, question norms, and inspire transformation. Artistry, whether in the visual arts, literature, music, dance, or any other creative media, has a unique capacity to capture the essence of human experiences, emotions, and ideas. It can spark thought, ignite the imagination, and build empathy, so creating a space for conversation and comprehension. By investigating and addressing social, political, environmental, or technological issues through art, artists are able to shed light on critical issues and create alternative futures. Art may challenge the status quo, question dominant beliefs, and present new viewpoints that prompt critical thought and motivate action. Frequently, artists operate as visionaries, imagining possibilities that may not yet exist and introducing them to the world. They have the capacity to inspire hope, optimism, and resiliency by presenting glimpses of a brighter future or by emphasising the costs of inaction. Through their ingenuity and imagination, artists are aware of and respond to significant issues, generate dialogue, and catalyse societal change. In addition, art has the ability to shape culture and society. It may challenge prejudices, break down barriers, and provide platforms for underrepresented voices to be heard. Art can inspire inclusion, encourage conversation, and advance social justice by offering a variety of perspectives. Shaping the Future Through Artistry recognises that art has the capacity to act as a catalyst for change, enabling us to envision and actively engage in the creation of a more fair, sustainable, and compassionate future. It celebrates artists’ role as catalysts, innovators, and storytellers who utilise their creativity to rethink possibilities, challenge conventions, and encourage communal action.