The White Building describes itself as ‘London’s centre for art, technology and sustainability. An incubator for discursive and innovative thought, it serves as a testing ground and creative lab for artists and creatives whose work engages with technology.’
This is the appropriate venue then, where the V&A have started to host their Digital Futures programme, and Money No Object was the theme for the October event.
Beginning with an artists’ showcase and series of presentations, the exhibition displayed work from Austin Houldsworth, Jennifer Lyn Morone, Byron Peters, Patrick Stevenson-Keating and myself, Heidi Hinder. This was followed by a panel discussion focusing on the ideas explored throughout Money No Object, followed by a question and answer session from the audience. Ruth Catlow from Furtherfield expertly chaired the debate, after provocations from Professor Nicky Marsh (co-curator of Show Me the Money), former financier Brett Scott and the artist-writer Rob Myers.
Brett Scott, Ruth Catlow from Furtherfield, and the artist Heidi Hinder, in a panel discussion about the themes of Money No Object. (Photo: Jonathan Rowley)
Similar to the round table events, at the end of this Digital Futures session, the participants and audience felt that there was so much more to discuss! It is evident that any conversations around the future of currency, value and technology provoke strong reactions, and demand an in-depth and rigorous debate. As a result, the V&A and the White Building have already scheduled a second chapter to continue this Money No Object theme for Digital Futures in December. I’m looking forward to it already!