The Quirino Awards recently unveiled a new initiative called the Futures Lab, which brought together key figures from the Ibero-American animation industry to explore possibilities rather than make predictions. Silvina Cornillón, one of the speakers, emphasized the Lab’s goal of actively building the future by intertwining the past, present, and future amidst significant changes in the sector.
Supported by the Ortega Marañón Foundation, the Lab featured speakers like Henar León, who highlighted global megatrends impacting the audiovisual industries, such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, market uncertainties, and shifting consumer behaviors. León stressed the unprecedented pace of technological advancements and the potential risks and opportunities they bring to the animation world.
José Luis Farias, the executive producer and Lab coordinator, reflected on the progress made since the inception of the Quirino Awards eight years ago. While collaborative efforts like the Ibermedia Next program and the White Book of Ibero-American animation have been beneficial, Farias acknowledged the need for a more holistic and global approach to address the sector’s challenges collectively.
During the Lab’s breakout sessions, participants discussed three main themes: the Weight of the Past, focusing on artisanal skills and cultural heritage; the Push of the Present, centered around leadership development and original IP creation; and the Pull of the Future, envisioning stronger alliances and responsible AI integration.
Federico Ullolo, the cultural director of the Ortega Marañón Foundation, outlined four scenarios emerging from the Lab discussions: an official scenario acknowledging the sector’s achievements, a chaotic scenario warning against inaction, a visionary scenario where animation shapes society’s values and growth, and an alternative scenario emphasizing collaborative alliances based on shared values.
The Futures Lab will continue its efforts beyond the Quirino Awards, with online and in-person workshops leading up to a presentation at Barcelona’s Mondialcult event in September. By fostering a collective narrative and understanding the cultural value of the Ibero-American animation industry, policymakers can better support its sustainability and growth.
In conclusion, the Futures Lab aims to provide a roadmap for policymakers to nurture the diverse and valuable animation industry through collaboration and shared vision.
