Historic Futures

Ann Arbor Art Center | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Historic Futures is a multidisciplinary exhibition that brings together a group of artists who explore history, comment on current events, and dare to imagine distinctly different futures. When envisioning what lies ahead, our minds often shift between countless manifestations of progress and innovation. Perhaps what we imagine is a world defined by greater justice, environmental care, mutual respect, health, safety, and acceptance—a world less polarized and more humane. Yet all of these ideals are subjective. How do we, individually and collectively, define these concepts? What matters most when designing future societies?

A critical question arises: Where have we been? What lessons from the past continue to shape and guide our path forward?

Fluidity becomes a powerful notion when opposing ideas appear so divergent that imagining an intersection seems impossible. While consensus may remain elusive, one essential truth endures: change is constant. History has shown that across every era, change is the one dependable force. It is an absolute necessity. To move forward, to progress, to create meaningful transformation, we must first examine where we’ve come from.

The artworks in Historic Futures serve as guides, reflecting on the past, interrogating the present, and envisioning what lies ahead as life continually moves toward the future.

Participating Artists

Lisa Alberts | Stephen Arboite | Yuling Chuang | Sarika Goulatia

Camille Hoffman | Ayana V. Jackson | Jason Quigno | Josie Love Roebuck | Darryl Deangelo Terrell