The ICA presents a series of lectures and conversations with internationally recognized figures from culture, philosophy and activism. 

At a time when the politics of division and looming environmental crises are leading to an increase in global fragmentation, the need for critical and cultural voices has never been so prominent. The Critical Conversations series values the act of physically gathering with others around a set of ideas to be debated and progressed collectively. 

In this context, Critical Conversations focuses on the voices of individuals who have made substantial contributions to both the idea and practice of social change. 

The Critical Conversations series began in 2018 with technologist Chelsea Manning, who discussed the rise of artificial intelligence, the state of the data economy, and the issues faced by transgender people today with artist and writer James Bridle. The series continued in 2019 with a conversation about the language of degradation in contemporary politics with postcolonial theorist Professor Homi K. Bhabha, New York Times literary critic Parul Sehgal and Professor Richard Sennett. In early 2020, philosopher and writer Paul B. Preciado will discuss agency, gender, dissent and subjectivity with queer theorist Jack Halberstam.

The ICA, Monday 30 September 2019, 3pm

Professor Homi K. Bhabha discusses his past and ongoing scholarly work with New York Times literary critic Parul Sehgal and Professor Richard Sennett.

The Royal Institution, Monday 1 October 2018, 2pm

Technologist Chelsea Manning is in conversation with artist and writer James Bridle, discussing the rise of artificial intelligence and the role of AI in public policy, the state of the data economy, and the issues faced by transgender people today.