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Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Published on September 16, 2025
Visit Philadelphia and TED are collaborating to create TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures — a one-day event on June 13, 2026, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Held in honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, this flagship event marks the culmination of Visit Philadelphia’s three-year partnership with TED Democracy.
Through a series of more than a dozen brand-new TED Talks, the event will explore the democratic future we want to create, while giving a nod to the past and the important milestone we’re marking in Philadelphia.
The full-day event will feature more than a dozen brand-new TED Talks from the Marian Anderson Hall stage, as well as interactive activations, performances, culinary pop-ups and networking opportunities throughout the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
TED Democracy Fireside Chat — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The event’s Founding Futures theme takes an active interpretation of the word “founding,” exploring the evolving story of democracy, while both honoring our past and looking ahead. We’re not just celebrating what was founded here, but asking how we are founding the future.
This event invites us to imagine the democracy we want to build by examining the ideals that shaped the past and the hard-earned lessons that continue to push us forward.
At a time when democratic values are being tested and redefined, Founding Futures asks: How do we — together — create a future that is more just, inclusive, participatory and resilient?
TED Democracy Speaker Series — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Tickets for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures will go on sale in October 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
We’re currently conducting an idea search to source speakers for the event, highlighting the brightest ideas that celebrate democracy’s past, examine its present and imagine its future in the city where it all began.
If you have an idea you think is worth spreading and connects to our theme, we want to hear it! Read more about the idea search and submit your idea by clicking here.
TED Democracy Speaker Series — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Visit Philadelphia is collaborating with the American Library Association (ALA) to find libraries in every state to host TED Democracy LIVE — a livestream version of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures.
These livestream events will increase access to groundbreaking TED Talks to amplify community involvement, foster local engagement and inspire conversation around democracy throughout the country.
To learn more about this initiative, click here.
Visit Philadelphia is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city, including its role as the birthplace of modern American democracy. We are committed to making Philadelphia the most welcoming and inclusive city in the U.S. for visitors and residents.
The TED Democracy and Visit Philadelphia partnership, a series of events focusing on the future of democracy from 2024 to 2026, was created to align with the cultural conversations that will take place as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
Our goal is to offer attendees a thought-provoking and educational experience that respects individual views and beliefs, all while honoring the spirit of dialogue our founding fathers practiced nearly 250 years ago here in Philadelphia.
Visit Philadelphia does not participate in political campaigns, nor support or oppose candidates for public office. We expressly disclaim any statement, or inference, of endorsement or opposition of any political candidate at any TED Democracy event, whether made by its speakers, participants or otherwise.
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