Five big Vivid Ideas talks not to miss

When: Sun May 29, 1-2.30pm
Where: Sydney Town Hall

Join New York Times bestselling author and trailblazer for women’s rights in the workplace Gretchen Carlson in conversation with journalist Lisa Wilkinson AM as they explore what it takes to upend power imbalances and find the courage to expose misconduct. Gretchen famously sued Fox News founder and CEO Roger Ailes (which inspired the movie Bombshell) and inspired others to share their stories – kickstarting the #MeToo movement. Her campaign to introduce legislation that stops the silencing of sexual harassment victims has resulted in historic new labour laws being passed by Joe Biden on 3 March 2022 – the most significant changes in over 100 years. Come and hear from one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, to explore more ways in helping people to speak out.

“Courage is infectious” – Gretchen Carlson

When: Sun May 29, 5-6.30pm
Where: Sydney Town Hall

After rising to YouTube fame in 2013, Troye Sivan quickly cemented himself as a creative maverick with his platinum records, on-screen appearances and flair for red-carpet fashion. Using his platform to challenge traditional notions of beauty and gender, Sivan has become an inspiration to young, queer and creative souls everywhere. Interviewed by influencer Lillian Ahenkan (Flex Mami), Sivan will share his story. From navigating queerness in the limelight to being named “the voice of the internet generation”, the artist will explore the complexities of superstardom.

When: Fri Jun 3, 6.30-7.30pm
Where: Vivid Ideas Exchange, The Great Hall, UTS

Psychoactive drugs for health, decriminalisation and plummeting production of pharmaceuticals – these widely debated topics are central to the shifting landscape of drug use and legislation in 2022. Prepare to be mentally stimulated as three of Australia’s leading experts delve into the nuances of therapeutic breakthroughs and research around psychoactive medicine. The discussion will cover the benefits of medicinal cannabis, Australia’s first psychedelic clinical trial, and the reasons why Big Pharma is changing its tune when it comes to illicit drugs.

When: Sun Jun 12, 1.30-3pm
Where: Vivid Ideas Exchange, The Great Hall, UTS

Most of us try not to think about death, but for Lynette Wallworth, it's par for the course. This Emmy award-winning VR filmmaker and artist explores spirituality, consciousness and end-of-life rituals. A global leader and storyteller Wallworth shifts the narrative by drawing from multiple cultures to reframe outlooks on life, death, and hope. She'll be joined in the discussion by two distinguished paliative care doctors, Dr Justin Dwyer (St Vincents Melbourne) and Dr Chris Kerr (Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, NY).

Where: Vivid Ideas Exchange, The Great Hall, UTS
When: Sun Jun 5, 11am-12.15pm

Three experts on AI and surveillance will be discussing the rise of facial recognition technology and more during this explosive talk at UTS. Is Australia at risk of becoming a surveillance state? Can robots have rights? And what if a self-driving car kills someone? The topics will be canvassed by professor Toby Walsh, whose latest book Machines Behaving Badly explores the morality of AI; former Australian Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow; and journalist/filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem, whose film Unseen Skies follows artist Trevor Paglen’s exploration of mass surveillance. The Ethics Centre director Dr Simon Longstaff will moderate.