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Irini Papadimitriou to leave FutureEverything

After six inspiring years our brilliant Creative Director will be leaving FutureEverything

Irini Papadimitriou at Outside The Box – Qatar Museums, 2020
Image by Richard Tymon

Irini Papadimitriou will be stepping down as Creative Director at FutureEverything, following six incredible years in which she has transformed the organisation’s work and reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

Irini joined FutureEverything in 2018, at a crucial moment in its history as it transitioned from an annual festival into an international arts and culture organisation with a year-round programme of activity. Under her leadership she successfully led the organisation through a strategic review and reshaping of the brand, culminating in an innovative and vibrant programme of public artworks, cross-sector collaborations, digital debates and knowledge exchanges.

At the helm of FutureEverything’s major national and international projects, Irini fostered tight-knit relationships with artists and collaborators, leading to long-term partnerships, projects, exhibitions and events. 

Her work with FutureEverything has drawn on interdisciplinary and critical thinking to explore digital culture, and creating space for people to engage with contemporary issues and challenges. Irini’s curatorial work with FutureEverything has encouraged audiences to shift perspectives and explore the ways in which AI and technology can shape our everyday lives with public exhibitions such as You and AI: Through the Algorithmic Lens (Onassis Foundation, 2021), Plásmata: Bodies, Dreams, and Data (Onassis Foundation, 2022), and AI: Who’s Looking After Me? (Science Gallery London, 2023/24). 

Irini championed artists development opportunities, connecting UK artists with artists from across the globe, including Digital Transmissions with British Council Jordan and Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, and the FutureFantastic festival with BeFantastic and British Council India.

Irini will step down as Creative Director in April but continue to be involved with a number of FutureEverything projects throughout the year. Thanks to Irini, FutureEverything has an exciting road ahead and we wish her the very best of luck for her next chapter, and look forward to hearing about her future achievements.

Recruitment for a new Creative Director will begin on Wednesday, 31st January. Please keep an eye on our website, social media channels, or sign up for our newsletter for further details and announcements.

Irini Papadimitriou, Creative Director at FutureEverything

“I don’t think there are enough words to express my gratitude to the brilliant team and Board at FutureEverything, but also to our extended family of collaborators, artists, partners and everyone we have been working with for the past few years across the globe. I feel so lucky and grateful for the opportunity to have been part of FutureEverything, a leading arts organisation I have always admired and followed, and one working at the forefront of technology, innovation, and culture. Having to say farewell to everyone here is extremely difficult after six inspiring years that will always stay with me.

This has been a fascinating journey, and while moving away from FutureEverything’s long running, acclaimed annual festival to building an annual programme of activity, exhibitions, national and international collaborations, was at times a challenging task, this transition has been incredibly rewarding, and a valuable experience and learning for all of us.  

I have never felt closer and more connected to a group of people, and it’s been a huge privilege to be part of a team and organisation that is so open, caring, generous and honest. Co-leading FutureEverything with Chris and working closely with him, including through some challenging times, has been a great honour and pleasure. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of colleagues and friends, and I will miss them all terribly! But while I am sad to leave FutureEverything, I will be looking forward to following the exciting work and seeing the team continue growing and thrive!”

Irini Papadimitriou at FutureFantastic Festival, 2023 – Bangalore, India

Annette Mees, Chairperson of the Board at FutureEverything

“Irini’s leadership at FutureEverything has been courageous, deeply caring and empowering – putting artists and thinkers at the heart of all our work. Her vision, knowledge and strength put FutureEverything at the forefront of the critical exploration of digital culture both nationally and internationally. She has done so through some of the more challenging times in our history: our transition from festival to NPO, the Covid pandemic, and the loss of our NPO status. Throughout these changes, her dedication and imagination ensured an exciting, new future direction for FutureEverything. 

The Board is extremely grateful to Irini for her exceptional work. She has truly left her mark on everyone she worked with. She will be missed by the team, the Board and the artists and partners we work with.”

Chris Wright, Executive Producer at FutureEverything

“Since I joined FutureEverything in 2020, Irini has been an inspiration as she tirelessly enhanced our profile and reputation with the most extraordinary projects, nationally and internationally. 

She is held in the highest regard by our team, Board, and a huge number of collaborators across the globe, and the affection and respect that she is afforded is testament  to the warmth, generosity and vision that she brings to every collaboration. 

I have been privileged to co-lead FutureEverything with her over the last couple of years and it is difficult to articulate how much I will miss her. As a Creative Director, as a trusted colleague, and as a dear friend, I could not have asked for anyone better.”

Irini Papadimitriou at Outside The Box – Qatar Museums, 2020
Image by Richard Tymon