Imagining Your 2050 Ecotopia: Storytelling & Imagination Workshops

Free but please reserve a spot as spaces are limited.

This FREE workshop introduces participants to Solarpunk -- an optimistic cultural movement that envisions a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature and technology. No previous artistic experience is needed. Open to anyone curious about hopeful futures, creativity, ecology, filmmaking, storytelling and collective imagination.

What could Reading look like in 2050 if community, ecology, creativity and care were placed at the centre of everyday life?

Across two connected sessions — one focused on imagination and speculative thinking, the other on practical making and collective creation — participants will be invited to explore hopeful future visions for Reading and beyond.

Together we will imagine:🌱 ecological futures🌞 community-powered cities🌿 regenerative living📮 future communication systems🎨 collective storytelling and public imagination

The workshops will include creative exercises, collaborative discussion, drawing, prototyping, participatory installations and the launch of the Intergalactic Post Box — an evolving public artwork.

As part of the afternoon practical session, and thanks to our collaboration with Resource Productions & Screen Berkshire, we are also excited to welcome a professional screenwriter who will guide creatives and filmmakers in developing their ideas into stories for short or feature films inspired by Solar Punk futures and ecological imagination.

This creates an exciting opportunity for:✨ creative mentorship✨ filmmaker collaboration✨ script development✨ local creative networking✨ future film production possibilities within Reading and Berkshire

Workshop Schedule:

☀️ Morning Session — Solarpunk Imagining Workshop

10:00am – 12:30pm 📍Reading Bike Hub 📅 Sunday 14th June 2026

LUNCH: Participants can head over to the Reimagine Reading Community Lunch in Forbury Gardens, where Vegivores and Tutu's Ethiopian Table will be selling delicious climate-friendly food at discounted prices.

🛠 Afternoon Session — Solarpunk Practical Workshop + Screenwriting Session

1:30pm – 3:30pm📍 Forbury Gardens, Reading📅 Sunday 14th June 2026

Participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions.

Delivered in collaboration with ReadingCAN, REDA, Resource Productions, Screen Berkshire, The London School of Solarpunk and Cinergy Studios.

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This event is part of Reading Climate Festival 2026. Browse the full two-week programme here: https://tinyurl.com/4rzm2tv5

Reading has a new framework for collective climate action! Local organisations and volunteers can get involved here: www.readingcan.org.uk/ourplan25-30