Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Aspen Digital and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation Announce Speakers and Agenda for Shared Futures: The AI Forum

Natasha Lyonne, Reggie Watts, Baratunde Thurston, and more to join global gathering June 17 in NYC to explore creativity, culture, and humanity in the age of AI

Washington, D.C., June 4th, 2026 – Today, Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute, and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation announced the final speakers and newly released agenda for Shared Futures: The AI Forum, returning June 17, 2026 in New York City. Following its successful 2025 debut, Shared Futures convenes artists, innovators and cultural architects to explore how AI is reshaping the way we live, create, connect, and evolve.

“We believe the future of AI must be shaped through collaboration across disciplines and communities,” said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. “Shared Futures creates space for artists, technologists, researchers, and creators to collectively imagine futures where human potential remains at the center of technological progress.”

Participants are invited to explore one of the defining questions of our time: how can artificial intelligence expand human creativity, connection, and possibility? The public is invited to register for the livestream. 

“Shared Futures was built around a simple idea: the conversations about AI is not just about hype and doom, but with us today”. ” said Vivian Schiller, Vice President and Executive Director of Aspen Digital. “We have the agency to harness these powerful technologies today to design the future we want to see. And artists are leading the way. ”

Speakers for 2026 Include:

  • Natasha Lyonne – Emmy® and Golden Globe®-nominated actress, writer, director, and producer
  • Reggie Watts – Musician, comedian, writer, and actor 
  • Baratunde Thurston – Cultural critic and host of Life With Machines
  • K Allado-McDowell – Artist, writer, AI literature pioneer, and founder of Google’s Artists + Machine Intelligence Group 
  • Kelly Boesch – AI artist, musician, and former IMAX producer 
  • Sinead Bovell – Futurist and technology educator  
  • Poppy Crum – Neuroscientist and technologist at the intersection of AI, cognition, and human performance
  • Dr. Catie Cuan – Robotics expert and former professional dancer
  • Taryn Southern – award-winning creative technologist & AI strategist 
  • King Willonius – Stand-up comedian, AI storyteller, and filmmaker
    And more…

Standout 2026 Agenda Sessions Include:

  • An improvised musical performance by Reggie Watts, and Kelly Boesch’s AI powered career renaissance as an artist 
  • Exploring the evolution of entertainment in the age of AI with Natasha Lyonne 
  • The dynamic frontier of social robotics with Dr. Catie Cuan 
  • AI, creativity and the brain with neuroscientist Poppy Crum, and new brain implants that unlock human capacity with Taryn Southern

The agenda explores AI and creativity, human cognition, artistic experimentation, robotics, storytelling, performance, and the evolving relationship between intelligence and identity. Sessions will include live performances, music, interactive experiences, keynote conversations, and multidisciplinary explorations designed to challenge assumptions and expand perspectives.

The full agenda and speaker lineup can be found on our website.

To register for the livestream please visit: LINK.

Media interested in attending should contact Amy Schenk at [email protected]. 

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About Aspen Digital

Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute, convenes thinkers and doers to anticipate how our world is changing in the age of AI. We turn noise into signal, elevate thoughtful ideas, and inspire collaboration across industry, government, and civil society to shape solutions that work for all. To learn more, visit aspendigital.org or email [email protected].

About the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a $1.5 B global philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector. To learn more, visit mcgovern.org.


Contact: Amy Schenk
Head of External Engagement & Communications
Aspen Digital
[email protected]