What if...? Collective Imagination in Newcastle with Rob Hopkins

You are invited to join us for a day of fun, collective imagination-boosting activity with author and activist (and time-traveller) Rob Hopkins.

Following the day's events, all are welcome to join us for informal activities from 4:30pm and a social gathering from 6pm–8pm.

What is it?
A day of immersive activities based on Rob’s recent How to Fall in Love with the Future book, with a specific focus on Newcastle and things happening in Byker, Heaton, Shieldfield, St Anne’s, Battlefield and Ouseburn.

We’ll be led on an imagination adventure, taking inspiration from Transition Towns like Totnes, as well as wonderful examples of community-led inventiveness from our own doorsteps.

We’ll be using creative techniques and ways of reconnecting with nature to attune us to our collective imagination.

We’ll be inspired by Rob and meet other people who are exploring similar approaches in our own neighbourhoods.

Who’s it for?
Anyone interested in community-led, socially just and ecological ideas for the future:

Members of the public, academics, community organisers, Councillors, architects, artists, designers and anyone with the feeling that the future can’t just rehash what’s gone before.
You don't need to know anything about this topic. You don't need to know anyone there. You can come on your own, listen quietly, or join in - whatever feels comfortable.

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*If there is something that would make it easier for you to take part please let us know. We don't have a creche or baby-changing on site, but you're welcome to bring your children - just know you'll need to keep an eye on them yourself throughout the day.

Why are we doing it?
We’re keen to use Rob’s workshop as a lightning rod for the fantastic ideas, schemes and projects already bubbling away in Newcastle and the wider North East.

We’re hosting the event on the Woods Pottery site as we are imagining futures for the land itself on a hyper-local level, but we are also bringing in ideas and people from the surrounding neighbourhoods to catalyse a wider, joined-up approach to making new futures that acknowledge the climate and nature emergency.

The event is organised by Building Culture, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and a network of collaborators, including Wild Roots Community Garden, Wild Intrigue, Dwellbeing Shieldfield, Byker Mutual Aid, Northern Cultural Projects CIC, The NewBridge Project’s For Solidarity project, Dingy Butterflies, Ouseburn Markets and PNE.

When is it?
The event will run on Tuesday 14th July from 10am - 4:30pm

Lunch will be provided, it will be majority vegetarian and there will be Gluten Free and Vegan options.

Please contact us when booking to let us know about any other dietary requirements.

There will be informal activity (4.30-6pm) and a social (6-8pm) afterwards.
Where is it?
The event itself will be taking place on the Woods Pottery Site, just off Stepney Bank, Newcastle Upon Tyne

It’s the same site that the Ouseburn Market takes place on.
Postcode: NE1 2NP
what3words: ///hoot.lined.move

Access:
We’re imagining a new future for this site, so it’s not perfect at the moment. It’s relatively flat but gravelly. The site is reached up/down the steep Stepney Bank. There’s no WCs on site but you can use facilities nearby. There are no buildings on the site - we are hiring a marquee, tables and chairs specifically for the event.

Public transport
The nearest Metro stop is Manors (0.5 miles/10 min walk)

There are several bus stops along New Bridge Street (between St Dominics and Manors) for the 12, 22, 39, 40, 62, 63, 91, 301 and 787 bus routes.

Please contact us when booking to discuss access requirements.
Have questions?
Email: [email protected]
Call/text Carlo on: 07787 144 894