The UNEXPECTED Arts and Science Innovation Forum will take place in Lund on 1 June 2023. 

Warm welcome to UNEXPECTED

For far too long, we have sought to bring a change towards more sustainable societies by focusing on external challenges that call for technical solutions and economic structures. But for real change to take place, we also need to address the root cause of the problems: our relationship crisis with the living planet, past and future generations, others, and not least, ourselves.

To do this, we need to develop our cognitive, emotional and social abilities, skills and capacities to care for the living: so-called transformative capabilities. It is a fundamental need for us humans to want to develop and create meaning with our existence.

The arts, culture, philosophy and religion have unique qualities that support us to come in contact with and be moved by this urge to find and create meaning. But we cannot separate outer and inner transformation; they need to be connected and ultimately integrated.

Existential Sustainability

The concept of Existential Sustainability seeks to reinforce the connections between outer and inner transformation. But what does it mean to apply existential sustainability to our work in the cultural and creative sector? How do we build the capacity and ability to do this? How do we create and build ecosystems and support systems that can sustain and develop this? And how do we support innovation as a collective action?

We do not have all the answers, but we have some ideas and inspiring examples. By exploring and creating unexpected connections, we can begin to solve complex challenges and shape a resilient and just future.

UNEXPECTED is a forum for cultural professionals, researchers, civil servants, politicians, and entrepreneurs daring to delve into art and science innovation to address societal challenges. The goal is to build up the forum as a recurrent arts and innovation biennial. 

Existential Sustainability and innovation: six examples

Existential Sustainability and innovation in the cultural and creative sector will be explored through six Innovation Spaces:

1. Transforming Fashion
2. The Personalised Future of Digital Concerts
3. Realising Human Rights
4. Existential Resilience
5. The Biosphere Candidacy Storkriket
6. Archaeology and New Technology

Programme overview

08:30 Coffee and registration

09:00 Opening. Moderator of the day: Lisa Lang Interactive opening with unexpected guests, fashion avatars and captivating presentations

10:45 Innovation Spaces, part 1. Join one of the six Innovation Spaces or visit the policy corner

12:00 Vegetarian lunch

13:30 The Canterville Ghost – an artistic and research technological innovation for the stage

14:00 Innovation Spaces, part II. Choose a new Innovation Space or visit the policy corner

15:00 Fika and mingle

15:30 Panel talks: How do we develop internationally connected and inclusive innovation eco-systems? Moderated by Lisa Lang

16:30 Check-out ritual

17:00 – 18:30 After Work Bar with DJ

More information about the programme is coming soon.

Why should you attend UNEXPECTED?

• You will learn about the latest development of innovation ecosystems in the EU
• You will get a unique sneak-peak into innovation projects in the cultural and creative sector
• You will connect with other curious and like-minded people from other sectors and professional fields
• You will attend a unique event that connects existential sustainability, creativity, green transformation, innovation and action.

Registration

This is an intensive and full day event from 08:30 to 18:30 that includes delicious fika and vegetarian lunch from the restaurant at Mejeriet. Participation is free of charge, but we reserve ourselves the right to charge a no-show fee of 500 SEK. If you have registered for the event but cannot come, please notify us as soon as possible. 

Register here before 21 May 2023.