Art has always enhanced people’s lives. But in a society increasingly fixated on digital metrics, how can creativity break through the literal and help us make sense of the world?
As part of SXSW London’s inaugural edition, our ‘Makers of Meaning’ panel drew a full house to Shoreditch Town Hall.
Moderated by Marble’s Patrick Keogh, alongside creative leader Suhair Khan and Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, the conversation explored the role of creativity in shaping today’s cultural and social discourse.
From the power of art to tell national stories, to whether artists now wield more influence than politicians or CEOs, the panel examined the courage — even foolishness — needed to cut through a homogenised world.
The discussion also explored art’s relevance in a politicised, tech-driven society, with reflections on how artists have long grappled with themes like privacy, surveillance capitalism, and the overwhelming pace of technological change.
Jeremy Deller — Artist
Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller is known for work that brings people together and challenges the status quo. A leading figure in conceptual and installation art, Jeremy often collaborates with communities to explore social and political themes – from history and protest to pop culture and public memory. In 2013, he represented Britain at the Venice Biennale, cementing his place as one of the UK’s most influential contemporary artists.
Learn more about Jeremy’s work
Suhair Khan — Founder & Director, Open-ended
Suhair Khan is a technology entrepreneur and creative leader. She is the founder of open-ended, a platform and incubator for creative technologists working with artificial intelligence. Her work centers on impact-driven work at the intersection of design, culture and future-facing technology. She is chair of the board of trustees of dance choreographer Studio Wayne McGregor, and is on advisory boards for the Design Museum, British Library, Sadler’s Wells, London Design Biennale and the Hay Festival.
Patrick Keogh — Chief Creative Officer, Marble
Patrick sits on the Board of Marble as well as serving as its Chief Content Officer. He has worked across media, culture, tech and innovation for over 15 years advising large organisations on future strategy both on a company wide scale as well as on an individual brand level. He has launched businesses like the Faber Academy, Guardian Masterclasses and consulted with a number of global brands including Google, Conde Nast and Time Inc.
