Throughout human history societies around the world have seen periods of significant intellectual and cultural renewal. The flowering of creative expression, the embrace of knowledge, and innovative ways of seeing the world are hallmarks of these ‘renaissances’. Such moments also witness social upheaval and political change that challenge traditional institutions, established belief systems and the norms of everyday life. In 2016, the Ismaili Centres in Toronto and Burnaby will host 21st Century Renaissance — a year-long, curated program of lectures, symposia, films, roundtables, exhibitions, performances, workshops and other activities, that explores historical and contemporary engagements between art, science, technology, religion, philosophy and ethics and asks questions about our intensely creative times and the future of humanity in the digital age.