The Future to See Future - UK - China Youth Digital Creation Exhibition
A sincere invitation to digital creators
Technology reshapes the world, creativity empowers the future.
The Future to See Future– UK-China Youth Digital Creation Exhibition is hosted by the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Serving as a platform for digital cultural exchange, showcasing works and co-creation between young talents from China and the UK, it aims to inspire them to empower a better world by creative technology and digital art, alternating biennially between Shanghai and London.
In September 2024, The Future to See Future was presented at 2024 London Design Festival as the only official partner event hosted by a Chinese university, and was exhibited at the historic Royal Mint Court in central London.
(On September 6, 2024, Professor Liu Weidong, Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Professor Trevor Hoey, Provost of Brunel University London; Minister-Counsellor Li Liyan of Chinese Embassy in the UK; Minister-Counsellor Xia Yuzi of Chinese Embassy in the UK; the Speaker of the Tower Hamlets Council in London; and Professor Paula Callus, Director of the UK National Centre for Computer Animation, jointly cut the ribbon for the opening of The Future to See Future – UK-China Youth Digital Creation Exhibition.)
This year, as an invited project of China Shanghai International Arts Festival Rising Artists’ Works, it will return to Shanghai with acclaim and be showcased during October 18 to November 16.
As an innovative practice in digital cultural exchange between China and the UK, The Future to See Future not only showcases creative works but also strives to build a long-term talent cultivation and international co-creation network, continuously exploring young digital creative talents internationally. It aims to discover, cultivate, and link high-end talents to the digital creative industries of both China and the UK, promoting the industrial development of both countries. During the exhibition period, a series of professional events on creative technology and digital art will be organized, along with public activities to promote public education of digital culture.
Highlight 1: Empower the city culture and tourism
The 2025 Shanghai exhibition will be presented at SunShine VR Studios Park, 7F of the newly opened Bingang Commercial Center (939 Sichuan Bei Road), seamlessly integrating into a dynamic consumption environment that combines culture, sports, tourism, business, and retail.
Highlight 2: Engage users and players
Users and players are integral to the digital creative ecosystem. Throughout the exhibition, we will conduct ongoing experience evaluations and research, empowering consumers to voice their opinions and join the co-creation process. Related evaluation and research results will also be shared with digital creators, helping improve the quality of digital content production.
Highlight 3: Direct Testing of Creative Ideas
A special "Future Sparks" Creative Lab will be set up to showcase works-in-progress, collecting public feedback and suggestions. The lab will also connect creators with potential investors, producers, distributors and other partners, fostering the refinement and realization of innovative ideas.
(A quick view of the venue for The Future to See Future 2025 Shanghai Exhibition – SunShine VR Studios Park, 7F, Bingang Commercial Center.)
The exhibition cordially invites young digital creators from China and the UK to engage in a cross-border dialogue and co-creation of digital creativity. We welcome digital creative enterprises, organizations, startups, independent creators, social groups, university students and researchers to apply for participation. Submissions can involve digital creative technologies including but not limited to virtual reality (AR/VR/MR), artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC), data-driven content, intelligent installations, games, digital film and moving images, and innovative hardware products. We encourage interactive, experiential, and immersive digital creative experiences that resonate with visitors and explore the future in various fields such as nature, society, culture, education, social innovation, and sustainable development together.
1. A certificate of participation issued by the organizing committee, along with promotional opportunities during the exhibition.
2. Opportunities to win exhibition awards and corresponding certificates.
3. Opportunities to showcase experimental creative works.
4. A feature in The Future to See Future global digital creators video interview series.
5. Free access to all user/player evaluation and research reports generated during the exhibition.
1. Deadline: 12:00 PM, 30th September 2025.
2. Please complete the registration form and send the following materials to the email address provided:
(1) The original work (or relevant download link)
(2) A statement of originality
(3) A complete description of the work
(4) Requirements for exhibition equipment
(5) A short personal introduction of the creator (no more than 50 words)
(6) An intellectual property commitment letter/statement
Name the email subject as ‘See Future Open Call + Exhibit Theme + Exhibitor/Organization Name’ and send to the email address:
icci-seefuture@sjtu.edu.cn
(If you have any questions regarding registration, exhibition arrangements, or other matters, please email us at this address for inquiries.)
3. If your work is an installation, or if equipment, terminals, or other physical materials for exhibits need to be mailed, please send them to the following address:
7F, Bingang Commercial Center, 939 Sichuan Bei Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
SunShine VR Studios Park.
Please also include a note stating: ‘2025 The Future to See Future Exhibition Participation’
1. Exhibitors (institutions or individuals) are responsible for the cost of production, transportation, supporting equipment, and technical guidance of their works. The organizer will provide standard display terminals; however, if a work requires special display terminals or equipment, the exhibitor must bear the relevant costs themselves.
2. In line with the low-carbon principle, it is recommended that exhibits be presented in a digital format to avoid the use of disposable physical installations or one-off printed materials.
3. The organizer will arrange on-site operational and technical staff to assist visitors. Exhibitors are obliged to help train these staff members and provide a dedicated contact person for remote support when necessary.