On July 6 FUTURES opened for one last time and held a epic bash worthy of the next millennia at the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building.
FUTURES may be closing. But this is not the end, this is the beginning—of the rest of YOUR futures, of building the world you want to live in, and sharing it with those around you. A closing celebration all about community, we’ll come together and inspire each other through joy, art, dance, science, performances, and more in a round-the-clock day of constant surprises and inclusive, collaborative experiences. Our FUTURES family invites you and yours to embrace your FUTURES FORWARD optimism (and neon day-glo outfits) and “pass it forward” to others.
Highlights include daytime hands-on activities and giveaways for families, creative curated “happy hour” performances from local favorites and an epic late-night dance party with DJ mOma and choreographed robot dancing.
The entire building will come alive with special performances from Washington, D.C.-based artists set within unique spaces throughout exhibition. TikTok star Andrew Savoia performed his favorite songs on his cello. From illusionists to spoken word poets to brass bands, these performers push the limits of creative expression and welcome visitors to experience FUTURES one last time in a new, immersive way.
The Crush Funk Brass Band passionately played D.C.’s favorite tunes.
“Timeless are the tunes that tell the stories of our past and herald promise for the future. Just because we don’t see it today, doesn’t mean that it won’t exist tomorrow,” said Santo Buzzanca of Crush Funk Brass.
The grand finale, an indoor/outdoor neon-soaked dance party, began at 7 p.m. Guests wore their most vibrant neon-best outfits inspired by FUTURES and dance the Wednesday away with DJ mOma. Special guests included ballerina, TED fellow, and award-winning robotics engineer Catie Cuan, June’s Futurist-in-Residence, and her dancing robots, debuting a new choreographed performance to inspire audiences to move their bodies in new and transformative ways. The entire exhibition will be open late—one final chance to test, try, delight, debate the innovations and ideas on view. An out-of-this-world the balloon drop ends the night to send everyone off into the world renewed and ready for what’s next.