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!

Seating is limited to 70 guests, we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

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?

Malek Asfeer

Malek Asfeer is a Denver based, award winning artist whose work bridges art and activism to amplify marginalized voices. He sought refuge in the United States at age 19 after being sentenced to death for his writings and art, deemed dangerous by regimes in five countries. Rooted in social justice, his practice uses storytelling as a tool for healing and reform, contributing to shifts in public perception and policy. For UNSEEN, Asfeer initiated and led the project as creative director and is also one of its photographers, documenting four local families and creating space for their stories to be witnessed with care and dignity.

Josie Angel

As a community-driven organizer and educator, Josie Angel works across a span of projects that foster belonging and expression for oppressed populations. Through Josie’s work with the Colorado Palestine Coalition, they work to center the issue of Palestine within our collective movements, specifically focusing on the intersectionality with Disability Justice. Josie also project manages the annual Together4Palestine cultural event that features local poets, educational workshops, artists and vendors. Currently, Josie supports young adults with disabilities in developing life skills, building independence, and navigating the workforce with confidence. For UNSEEN, Josie served as the liaison between the Palestinian families and photographers, managing project timeline and communications with a strong focus on collaboration and community building.

Conrad Mata

Conrad Mata is a producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. His independently produced sophomore album, Still, received wide acclaim for its versatility in genre, originality in style, and earworm melodies. In 2020, Conrad earned his Associate of Occupational Studies degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. As an actor, he has starred on stages across Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver. As a musician, Conrad Mata has performed at venues including Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Globe Hall, Hard Rock Cafe, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, and Lion’s Lair. In 2023, Conrad Mata made his debut at the Underground Music Showcase. His music can be heard playing across radio stations across Colorado. Conrad Mata is Denver's premier artist in Experimental Latin Urban. Dramatic and dark, his production is layered; allowing listeners to catch a new easter egg with each dive into his songs. 

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.