Inspired by the heritage of the House to play a role in ‘what happens next’, CHANEL is bringing together some of the most celebrated talent from film, art, architecture, dance, music, and fashion for intimate conversations on the future of culture.
Launching today, CHANEL Connects pairs innovators to reflect on the unique challenges of 2020 and imagine the new cultural frontiers of 2021, as galleries, museums, and stages prepare to reopen to a radically transformed world.
Their conversations span a range of topics from technology opening new avenues for creative work to advancing the role of culture as an agent for social change. Podcast participants include: actors Tilda Swinton and Keira Knightley; musician, designer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams; filmmakers Lulu Wang, Garrett Bradley and Eliza Hittman; artists Arthur Jafa and Jennifer Packer; designer Es Devlin; dancers / artistic directors Akram Khan and Tamara Rojo; editorial director Edward Enninful; creative consultant and writer Amanda Harlech and curator Andrew Bolton.
Self-recording their contributions from their homes and studios, some are old friends while others ‘meet’ for the first time in this series. Together, they represent both emerging and established talent and include individuals from institutions where CHANEL’s patronage helps to catalyse innovation across the arts.
“Quarantining and social distancing have changed who we are as a species forever. It’s changed how we see things and where we find value,” Pharrell Williams tells Es Devlin, as they consider the arts as a force for activism as well as escapism.
“I grew up on images of those forties fast-talking women. The shock was when I got into the film industry and then questioned, ‘Where are these powerful women?’” – Keira Knightley says in conversation with Lulu Wang, reflecting on the power of film to reveal fresh perspectives on societal issues and the importance of better representing female voices both in front of and behind the camera.
“The industry’s changed, the media landscape has changed, heroes have changed,” Edward Enninful tells Tilda Swinton as they imagine a future where society celebrates the full diversity of people and human potential.
Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture at CHANEL, said the series points to an existential moment for culture as artists reconsider how, why and where they tell stories and connect with audiences.
“While galleries, stages and studios have been dark, artists have not stopped creating and imagining new ways forward. CHANEL Connects sees cultural gamechangers delve deep into their imaginations to share ideas across disciplines, projects and institutions. As well as fascinating insight into the minds of today’s most creative innovators, it’s a prescient reminder to continue supporting the arts, championing what’s next and celebrating work that has the power to transform lives and wider society.”
Comments are off this post!