The Talent Programme at Future Archaeologies is not just an exploration of personal creativity; it's a dialogue with the future, a testament to humanity's boundless creative potential. The Talent programme at Future Archaeologies stands as a cornerstone of our organisation's ethos. Our Poets, especially those within the Talent category, are the lifeblood of our organisation, representing its core values and driving its mission forward. But beyond this, they are pioneers, charting a course into the future, crafting messages and art that will resonate a century from now.

1.     Concept Production

At the heart of Future Archaeologies is the drive to immortalise ideas that resonate across time. Becoming a Poet within the organisation is not just a title; it's an opportunity to transform a passionate idea into a lasting legacy.

Applicants, driven by their unique visions, apply with their primary creative ideas in a format of their choosing, be it through writing or another medium, to a specific Bureau. The selection process, overseen by the residing Poets, ensures a continuity of vision, with each generation being chosen by its immediate predecessors.

Once selected, Poets are entrusted with the task of materialising their concepts. This process is not just about ideation but about creating tangible artefacts that stand the test of time. Whether manifested as a book, film, recording, or even instructive performances, every concept undergoes a transformation into a physical entity. This emphasis on tangible forms ensures the longevity of ideas, regardless of the trajectory society takes in the future.

These creations, always produced in editions of three, are meticulously stored in robust containers measuring 100x50x50cm. While the primary focus remains on these material forms, digital renditions, when relevant, are made accessible to the wider public. Every quarter, these invaluable artefacts are transported to the Master Archives of Future Archaeologies, ensuring their preservation and eventual discovery a century later.

Through this process, Poets don't just create; they converse with the future, ensuring their voices echo long after they're gone.

2.     Transmissions

Transmissions at Future Archaeologies are not mere recordings; they are profound dialogues with the future. Each Transmission is a testament to the belief that while time moves forward, the wisdom, insights, and questions of today have enduring relevance. They serve as time-bound bridges, connecting the present's vibrancy with the curiosity of generations yet unborn.

Every Talent embarks on the journey of crafting a Transmission, a process that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. This begins with the nomination of a living individual, someone whose insights and perspectives align with and enrich the Talent's own conceptual work. The choice of this individual is not arbitrary; it's a deliberate decision to ensure that the Transmission complements and elevates the core concept being developed by the Talent.

The invitation to these chosen subjects is not just an ask; it's an honour. Extended through a heartfelt letter, it's an acknowledgment of their significance in the cultural tapestry and their potential to impact the future. A testament to the individual Poet and the impact their nominee has had on their thinking. Given the freedom to choose their recording location, subjects are empowered to select a setting that resonates with their message, ensuring authenticity and comfort.

The recording process itself is steeped in tradition and intentionality. Using a 16mm camera, each Transmission is captured in a single, uninterrupted take, lasting no more than 24 minutes. This format, while seemingly restrictive, is a conscious choice. It ensures that every moment is deliberate, every word weighed, and every question posed is one of genuine inquiry. Subjects are encouraged to not just share insights but to actively engage with the future, posing questions that challenge, provoke, and inspire.

Future Archaeologies takes the responsibility of these Transmissions seriously. Recognising the potential intimate nature of these recordings, utmost care is taken to preserve the subjects' privacy. Digital storage, with its inherent vulnerabilities, is therefore eschewed in favour of more secure methods, that of the material form kept at safeguarded sites. This ensures that the Transmissions remain untouched, waiting for their predetermined moment of release, be it a personal milestone or the passage of a century.

The presence or one-time access granted to the nominating Talent during the recording is a nod to the interconnectedness of the process. It's a moment of culmination, where the Talent's concept and the subject's Transmission converge, creating a richer, multi-dimensional narrative.

In essence, Transmissions are more than archival material. They are living legacies, conversations across time, ensuring that the voices of today continue to echo, inspire, and engage long after they are first spoken. Through these Transmissions, Future Archaeologies is not just preserving moments; it's curating a dialogue with the future, ensuring that the wisdom of today continues to illuminate tomorrow.

3.     Missives

Missives, within the framework of Future Archaeologies, are more than just podcasts; they are intentional dialogues designed to traverse time. Each Missive is a carefully curated conversation, a bridge that connects the present's immediacy with the contemplative nature of the future, 50 years hence.

Every Talent embarks on the creation of two distinct Missives. The first involves reaching out to guests, individuals whose insights, experiences, and perspectives hold value not just for the present but for the generations to come. These guests are interviewed with a unique twist: the conversation is anchored in the future, a dialogue on behalf of those who will inhabit the world five decades from now. This forward-looking approach challenges both the interviewer and the interviewee to transcend the confines of the present, to envision a world different from ours, and to frame their discourse in a manner that resonates with that distant audience.

The second set of Missives is a deep dive into the heart of Future Archaeologies itself. Each Talent interviews another Poet, either from their contemporary cohort or from the annals of the organisation's rich history. These conversations are a celebration of the diverse projects undertaken by these Poets, a reflection on their journey, aspirations, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. While these Missives are disseminated in the present, primarily as podcasts, they are also meticulously archived. Both the audio recordings and their transcriptions are preserved, ensuring that the essence of these dialogues remains accessible and enduring.

A unique challenge and opportunity presented to the participants is the adaptation of their language and mode of address. Recognising that the future will have its own lexicon, cultural nuances, and societal contexts, participants are encouraged to craft their dialogues in a manner that is both timeless and anticipatory. This ensures that the Missives remain relevant and comprehensible, even as they are unearthed by audiences half a century later.

But the journey of the Missives doesn't end with their archiving. In a poetic loop of time and conversation, Future Archaeologies envisions a scenario where, 50 years post their original Missive, the once young Poet, now seasoned by time, is invited back. This time, they are on the other side of the conversation, reflecting on their past selves, their original broadcasts, and the interplay of time on their perspectives. Interviewed by a new generation Poet, this Missive becomes a testament to the cyclical nature of time, knowledge, and experience.

In essence, Missives are not just recordings; they are living chronicles of thought, experience, and aspiration. Through these layered conversations, Future Archaeologies is weaving a tapestry of voices, ensuring that the dialogues of today continue to inspire, challenge, and engage the thinkers of tomorrow.

4.     Temporal Art Projects

At Future Archaeologies, art is not just a reflection of the present moment but a dialogue with time itself. Through the Temporal Art Projects, the organisation embarks on a journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of artistic expression, creating artworks that evolve, adapt, and resonate across generations.

Each Talent is bestowed with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in one of these Temporal Art Projects. This involvement is not a mere observation but an active engagement, facilitating the project for a minimum of one week on-site. This hands-on experience allows the Talent to not only understand the intricacies of the project but also to contribute to its evolution. Furthermore, each Talent is entrusted with the responsibility of documenting their experience and the project's progression. This documentation, captured in a medium of the Talent's choosing, becomes a part of the archive, accessible to the public and serving as a testament to the project's journey through time.

The essence of Temporal Art Projects lies in their enduring nature. These are not fleeting exhibitions or transient performances but artistic endeavours designed to span decades, if not centuries. Whether it's gardens sculpted over hundreds of years, evolving with each passing season, or art exhibitions where artists, year after year, paint the same landscape from varying perspectives, these projects are a meditation on continuity, change, and the passage of time.

Consider the profound impact of a stage production, repeated annually at a consistent location, where roles are passed down, not by auditions, but through nominations, often only relinquished due to the inexorable march of time. Such projects challenge artists to think beyond the immediate, to envision how their work will evolve, adapt, and resonate with audiences not just today but decades into the future.

Each Bureau within Future Archaeologies is anchored by at least one Temporal Art Project. This commitment ensures that the Bureau remains rooted in the ethos of long-term artistic engagement. Every project is meticulously planned, with detailed methodologies for repetition, execution, and succession. Contingency plans are crafted, ensuring the project's continuity even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Beyond their artistic significance, these Temporal Art Projects hold strategic value for Future Archaeologies. Their enduring nature makes them assets, not just in the cultural sense but also in terms of collaboration and outreach. As these projects evolve, they can be repurposed into exhibitions, performances, or events, generating awareness and interest in the organisation. This adaptability positions Future Archaeologies as a dynamic collaborator, capable of forging mutually beneficial partnerships with other institutions.

In essence, Temporal Art Projects are not just artistic endeavours; they are a commitment to the future. They challenge artists to think beyond the confines of the present, to engage with time in a manner that is both profound and transformative. Through these projects, Future Archaeologies is not just preserving art; it's crafting a legacy.

5.     Embracing the Art of Failure

In the journey of creation and innovation, the path is often strewn with moments of failure. At Future Archaeologies, we recognise that these moments, rather than being setbacks, are rich with potential and invaluable lessons. They serve as reminders of our limitations, but more importantly, they highlight areas of growth and exploration.

To truly understand and appreciate the depth of one's capabilities, it's essential to step outside of one's comfort zone. This is the ethos behind our initiative to 'Practise Failure'. Each Talent is encouraged to embark on a task that is diametrically opposed to their inherent skills and expertise. This could manifest in various forms: from cultivating bamboo or sugarcane with the aim of crafting them into walking sticks, to manipulating organic materials into tangible objects, or even delving into an entirely different sustainable venture. The objective isn't necessarily to succeed but to engage deeply with the process and glean insights from the experience.

Each Bureau within Future Archaeologies curates its own unique set of challenges, ensuring that the experience is tailored and relevant to its environment and ethos. These tasks, while seemingly simple, are designed to push the Talents to their limits, compelling them to approach problems with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Upon the culmination of the programme, the products borne out of these endeavours, whether deemed successful or not, are either returned to their creators or sold. This tangible outcome serves as a testament to the Talent's journey, a memento of their tryst with failure and the insights they've garnered from it.

In essence, the act of practising failure is not about celebrating shortcomings but about embracing the myriad possibilities that arise from them. It's about understanding that every stumble, every misstep, carries with it the seed of a new idea, a fresh perspective. At Future Archaeologies, we champion the belief that in the heart of failure lies the genesis of innovation.

Application 

• Deadline: Applicants must apply no later than 2 months before their intended cycle, with the flexibility to apply up to 18 months in advance, catering to those residing far from their chosen bureau.

• Frequency: Applications are accepted once a year and can be directed to two bureaus of the applicant's choice.

• Process: Aspiring Poets should convey a passionate and creative idea they believe should be conceptualised and transmitted to the future. This idea, which they might not have had the chance to express or produce under regular circumstances, will serve as the foundation for the actionable concept they will develop and materialise during their stay. Applications can be in writing or any format chosen by the applicant and must be submitted to a specific Bureau.

• Selection: Applications undergo a rigorous selection process by the residing Poets at the chosen Bureau. They aim to identify pivotal voices, innovative ideas, and intriguing notions. Each new generation of Poets is selected by their contemporary predecessors, ensuring the process remains internal and true to the organisation's ethos. Unsuccessful applications are respectfully destroyed to maintain privacy.

• Diversity & Representation: The selection process is solely based on the merit of the idea, ensuring that barriers commonly encountered in the creative field are sidestepped. This approach guarantees a diverse and representative cohort of Poets.

• Feedback & Reapplication: Feedback is a collaborative process, with insights provided by fellow Poets and the broader community. Applicants can reapply after a year, but each programme, whether Talent or Catalyst, can only be undertaken once.

•  Location & Capacity: All primary activities are hosted at a designated Future Archaeologies bureau. Depending on funding and location, each bureau anticipates welcoming between 9 and 24 Poets annually, spread across three overlapping groups.

Support & Resources

• Guidance: Each bureau boasts a resident Bureaucrat, akin to a principal, who guides and directs the bureau's activities. Their background in creativity ensures they understand and nurture the Poets' journey.

• Catalyst Programme: Designed for individuals over 30, this initiative provides an avenue for professionals, both within and outside the creative field, to explore their creative passions. This mutual mentoring system, combined with the Talent Programme, fosters a rich environment of shared knowledge and experience.

• Facilities: Bureaus are equipped with cameras, recording equipment, and resources for the 'tasks of failure'. Uniforms are also provided to all participants.

• Weekly Engagements: Regular staff meetings serve as platforms for Poets to provide positive testimonials about their peers' abilities and skills, fostering a supportive community.