When the Future Comes is a 30 year artist-led project that takes place across England - in Oxfordshire, Nottingham, Cumbria, Somerset and London. Future Machine, a mysterious interactive artwork, makes an annual journey to each place at the same times every year, due to continue until 2050 - the year that scientists predict will be a watershed for more extreme climate and environmental change.
New rituals and special occasions are emerging in each place, as we gather together each year to celebrate Future Machine's appearance, witness the present, listen to the past and speak to the future.
Future Machine is appearing next...
When The Autumn Leaves Fall in London
Saturday 24th October 2026
Future Machine will meander around Finsbury Park and
music performances, meet Future Machine with tea and cake
at the Commons/Jamboree Hut in Finsbury Park (Seven Sisters Gate)
in the afternoon and evening.
Future Machine is a witness.
A large octagon on wheels made of ash, oak, steel, brass and copper, with a hand crank, lever, dials and a slot where personalised ‘future quests’ are printed on cards for people to take away. The appearance of this mysterious artwork bestows what may be termed a mythical status on these moments and places.
Meet Future Machine and speak to the future.
Stories From When The Future Comes
News From The Planet
The artist Rachel Jacobs who created the Future Machine is working with climate scientist Prof John King to create the future quests that are printed by the Future Machine. These are informed by the latest news from the planet captured over the last three months.
Research
When the Future Comes is an art/research project taking place in collaboration with researchers at Horizon Digital Economy and the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham, University of Derby, University of Bristol and University of Exeter. The research focuses on themes of human-nature-technology interactions, identifying the ineffable in our localities, considering responsible digital futures and ways to archive this longitudinal art/research project.