Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks

February 9–May 4, 2025

This groundbreaking exhibition explores the intersection between design innovation and technological advancements in footwear. Future Now features over 70 futuristic designs from the Bata Shoe Museumʼs holdings as well as loans from other prominent institutions, collectors, designers, and inventors. Presenting digitally designed and 3D-printed shoes, sneakers made from mushroom leather and reclaimed ocean plastics, and footwear created for the metaverse, the exhibition explores how cutting-edge technologies, unexpected materials, and new ideas are transforming footwear today. The footwear included in the exhibition is designed to address industrial-age problems and capitalize on postindustrial possibilities. Featured designers and brands include: Salehe Bembury, rtfkt, Mr. Bailey, Zaha Hadid, JEMS by Pensole, Safa Şahin, EKTO VR, Saysh, Benoit Méléard, SCRY, and many more. 

Sarasota Art Museum will be one of the five museums to which this exhibition travels. It will open at Portland Art Museum in Portland, OR, and continue on to Newfields: A Place for Nature & the Arts in Indianapolis, IN. After Sarasota, the show will travel to Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA, before arriving at the final, yet-to-be-determined  venue.   

The exhibition is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, director and senior curator, Bata Shoe Museum.

American Federation of Arts Logo
Bata Shoe Museum

This exhibition at Sarasota Art Museum is made possible, in part, with generous support from:

Platinum Sponsors
Judy and Fred Fiala
Shari and John Hicks
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Logo

Gold Sponsors
Charlotte and John Suhler

Silver Sponsors
Elaine and Bill Crouse
Mary Ann and John Meyer

TDT

Bronze Sponsors
Terry Brackett
Warren R. and Marie E. Colbert
JoAnne Olian, Curator Emerita Museum of the City of New York

Sarasota Magazine Logo
Platinum Sponsors
Judy and Fred Fiala
Shari and John Hicks

Gallery Didactics for Picking up the Pieces:

Special thanks to the many generous donors who made gifts in memory of Peppi Elona.

Programs