The Night of Ideas 2026

The Night of Ideas Denver 2026: "Paving the Way"

We are delighted to present the 2026 edition of Night of Ideas, a global event initiated by the French Embassy and Villa Albertine in 2005, now hosted in major cities across the U.S.

In collaboration with MSU Denver's Humanities Center and The Denver Project for Humanistic Inquiry, this year’s event will explore the theme of “Paving the Way”, for the next generation, for new voices, and for science that serves humanity. This edition will bring together thinkers, scientists, scholars, community advocates, and artists for discussion, food, and wine (provided). Join us for a night of exploration, reflection, and conversation!

Topics include:

Youth and Emerging Voices

Society's polarization profoundly affects young people; For them to drive meaningful progress, they need access to education (formal and informal), exposure to diverse and inspiring figures, and spaces where their voices carry legitimacy. How do we ensure quality education that fosters independence, critical thinking, and creativity? How do we make sure young people's voices are heard—and channeled toward dialogue across communities and opinions?

Jane Burke

Jane Burke boasts over two decades of experience in non-profit arts administration, gained from positions held in encyclopedic and contemporary art museums, as well as alternative art organizations. She has worked as an independent curator, juror, and advisor for galleries, universities, and government agencies, while pursuing her ongoing research interests in the cross-cultural construction of identity and intersectional social change through the lens of visual and material culture. 

Mentor George Michael Karas and Mentee Fernando Medina

Mentor George Michael Karas and Mentee Fernando Medina are contributors at the Youth Art Mentoring (YAM) program at RedLine. Their presentation will center on the power of mentorship through creative practice, highlighting how intergenerational relationships between artists can support identity development, confidence, and long-term creative growth. Together, they will reflect on their shared experience as mentor and mentee, offering both personal insight and a broader perspective on how arts education can foster connection, belonging, and opportunity.

Inspiring Figures and New Solutions

At a time when political, scientific, and media authorities face deep mistrust fueled by misinformation, how do we restore legitimacy for bold new voices? How do we enable diverse opinions to flourish without opening the door to disinformation? What figures and social innovations deserve greater visibility?

Speakers info coming soon!

Science and Technology as Sources of Hope

While AI raises legitimate concerns, scientific advances are still opening transformative possibilities. Sustaining this progress depends on scientific cooperation, independent research, and academic freedom. What conditions does forward-looking science require? How can science inspire new generations, and what models should guide the development of cutting-edge technologies?

Steve Beaty

Steve Beaty is professor and chair of the Department of Computer Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver, specializing in Cybersecurity. He earned his doctorate in Computer Science from Colorado State University, and holds a rich background in both the theoretical and practical aspects of computers and networks. He led a team of developers at Pixar and Hewlett Packard and served as head of cybersecurity at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. He actively contributes to many open-source projects and consults with the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking and a wide range of other businesses and agencies.

David Klein

David Klein is a professor in Industrial Design at MSU Denver. He received his MFA degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and designed children's toys, adult fitness equipment, interior design accessories, and consumer electronics at Samsung. He was Western District VP of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and has published work through the Fulbright-Hayes Seminar in the Czech and Slovak Republics, and worked with the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology and the Fachhochschule Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Art, among other publications in international journals.