FACT (Future of Arts, Culture & Technology) is a symposium that explores how technology is shaping the cultural sector – and the people driving it, artists, workers, and creators.

Who should attend FACT?

FACT is designed for anyone interested in arts, culture, and technology, including artists, cultural workers, researchers, and anyone curious about how emerging technologies are influencing creative practices.

What topics will be covered?

Topics include digital preservation, collaborative institutional practices, emerging movements in arts and technology, and the ways online culture shapes identity, taste, and intimacy.

Do I need to have technical expertise to attend?

No. FACT is designed to be accessible to anyone interested in the intersection of arts, culture, and technology.

How can I stay updated about the symposium?

Updates, including new speaker announcements and program details, will be shared on the ACMI website, social channels, and via the FACT mailing list. You can sign up for the mailing list on the FACT webpage to receive the latest news directly.

What's on

Future of Arts, Culture & Technology Symposium

Buy tickets Speakers

Tickets

General

$198

When

Wed 11 – Fri 13 Feb 2026

9am – 5.30pm

Join us to explore the many futures of arts, culture, and technology and help shape them at the fourth FACT symposium, 11– 13 February 2026 at ACMI.

Now in its fourth year, FACT explores the big questions shaping technology and its impact on the cultural sector and the people driving it: artists, workers, and creators. How can we regain a sense of agency and control in the face of rapidly changing technologies?

This year’s lineup features:

Jason Scott (Internet Archive, US)
Ruby Justice Thelot (designer, artist, and cyberethnographer, US)
Sofia Widmann (MuseumBooster, Austria)
Jessica Walthew (University of Glasgow, UK)
Sewon Barrera (M+, Hong Kong)
Dr. Christen Cornell (Creative Australia)
John O’Shea (UK National Videogame Museum)
Samuel Cairnduff (University of Melbourne)
Sunghee Cho (Asia Culture Centre, Korea)
Michael Brown (National Library of New Zealand, Aotearoa)
Ryuta Aoki (artist and curator, Japan)
Sarah Teasley (RMIT University)
Amelia Berry/Amamelia (musician, Aotearoa)
Robin Fox (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio/MESS)
Hugh Davies (RMIT University)
Megan Lawrence (Australian Museum)
Vince Dzekian (Monash University)
Angharad Wynne-Jones (Creative Climate)
Tim Shiel (Green Music Australia)
Janice Falsone (South East Centre for Contemporary Art/SECCA)

...and more speakers to be announced.

Key dates

Program announced	15 Jan 2026
FACT Symposium, ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne	11–13 Feb 2026

When

Wed 11 – Fri 13 Feb 2026

9am – 5.30pm

Tickets

General

$198

Where

ACMI, Fed Square

Tickets

General - $198 (from 27 Nov)
PAY BY CREDIT CARD >
PAY BY INVOICE >

Please note that the option to Pay by Invoice will close 5pm on 4 February, after which only Pay by Credit Card will be available.

All registrations for the conference will close 5pm Monday 9 February.

After booking you will receive a confirmation email, if you have opted to pay by invoice it will be sent within 1-3 business days after your booking with payment details. If you have opted to pay by Credit Card you will receive a Tax Invoice shortly after your confirmation email. Passes will be available to collect at ACMI on the day of the conference.

No Harm Done - Ethics, Design and AI
Thursday 12 February 6pm - Swinburne Studio
A groundbreaking event exploring ethical, sustainable pathways for AI through thoughtful design with and by data.

Tickets are $10 and available here.

More information about the broader No Harm Done series available here.

Creative Industries & Artificial Intelligence (Closed Session)
Friday 13 February 9am - Cinema 1

ACMI is partnering with Creative Victoria to host a one-day forum exploring AI and the complex web of opportunities & challenges it presents for the creative industries. This session will bring together 120 invited policy makers, educators, cultural leaders, artists and creators representing different parts of Victoria’s creative ecosystem. This invitation-only session will encompass all creative domains including writing and publishing, music, design, performance, screen, games and VFX. Attendees will learn about the impacts - perceived and material - of artificial intelligence and automation on existing and emerging creative practices, and discuss practical ways forward.

This forum is being presented as part of the Victorian Government’s Creative State 2028 strategy.

The forum is free of charge, includes coffees and lunch, and is open to FACT ticket holders via an EOI process. Apply here to attend.

Please be aware that not all applicants will be selected.

Book your stay with Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

Official Hotel Partner of ACMI, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is offering FACT 2026 attendees an exclusive discounted rate.

Sofitel is recognised as the city’s Hotel for the Arts, blending elegant design, cultural connection, and exceptional hospitality. Ideally located just moments from ACMI, and renowned for its service and artistic spirit, experience the art of French luxury in the heart of Melbourne.

Book Now