Intelligence Everywhere Event

What does intelligence look like when it doesn't wear a human face? On Saturday, October 3, 2026, step into The Broad Stage at Santa Monica College for an evening that rewires how you think about minds—animal, fungal, artificial, and your own. Intelligence Everywhere is a rare gathering where scientists, philosophers, writers, and artists converge to explore one of humanity's most urgent questions: what does it mean to be intelligent in a world where birds outthink primates, forests think through fungal networks, and silicon can reason? This intimate theater event marks the public launch of the John Templeton Foundation's Intelligence Venture, a groundbreaking three-year, sixty-million-dollar initiative spanning biology, philosophy, physics, and computer science. You're not attending a lecture series—you're entering a live laboratory of ideas, where six expert minds unfold a conversation that will linger long after the curtain falls.

The evening weaves together cutting-edge science and timeless philosophy, offering both intellectual rigor and genuine wonder. Whether you arrive as a seeker curious about consciousness, an artist exploring the nature of creativity across species, or simply someone ready to have your assumptions challenged, this event invites you into dialogue with some of the most thoughtful minds working at the frontiers of knowledge today.

What to Expect

Six speakers—each a leader in their field—take the stage to examine intelligence beyond the human paradigm. The conversation flows across biology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and the arts, building toward a holistic vision of what intelligence might mean when we widen our lens. Expect moments of intellectual electricity alongside genuine humor and humanity. The atmosphere is contemplative yet alive with curiosity. After the formal program concludes, an intimate after-party welcomes speakers and guests to continue the dialogue in a more relaxed setting—a chance to deepen connections and ask the questions that emerge from the evening's inquiry.

About the Artist

Big Think is a digital media platform and educational content studio that produces expert-led video essays and interviews exploring science, philosophy, psychology, and culture. Founded in 2011, Big Think reaches millions of viewers monthly with long-form thought leadership from leading academics, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. Their curation and production expertise help shape how contemporary audiences engage with complex ideas.

Venue & Logistics

The Broad Stage at Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA. Saturday, October 3, 2026. Doors open in the evening (specific time TBA). Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for an indoor theater setting. The venue is accessible and welcomes all attendees. Arrive early to settle into the contemplative atmosphere before the program begins.