Protopian Prize | Brainstorm & Discussion Salon on what a plausible better future might be
Culture

Protopian Prize | Brainstorm & Discussion Salon on what a plausible better future might be

Thu, May 28
04:00 AM – 06:00 AM
MoxFree Β· See website
About the event

🌱 What Does a Workably Better Future Actually Look Like?

Not utopia. Not collapse. Something far more challenging: a future that's genuinely and plausibly better than today β€” built by real people making real change against real obstacles.


🎯 About the Event

This is a discussion salon organized around the Protopian Prize, a 2026 fiction contest inviting writers to envision liberatory futures and the messy, complicated work of getting there.

The Prize's two thematic tracks will frame our conversation:


πŸ€– Track 1: Public AI

Imagine AI development, policy, and tools built for β€” and grounded in β€” genuine public benefit.

Topics might include:

  • βœ… Ethical training and sustainable maintenance
  • 🎨 Creator-friendly implementation
  • 🀝 Collective rather than corporate ownership
  • πŸ’‘ New uses that complement rather than replace human strengths

πŸ›οΈ Track 2: Democratic Futures

Imagine institutions, tools, and organizational methods that expand public autonomy and shared societal control.

Topics might include:

  • 🌍 Inclusive community-building
  • πŸ—³οΈ Improved decision-making processes
  • πŸ“¦ Better delivery of public goods
  • πŸ›‘οΈ New techniques for combating disinformation, surveillance, and authoritarian constraints

πŸ—ΊοΈ How the Evening Unfolds

  1. πŸ’¬ Brainstorm β€” We open with two seed prompts answered popcorn-style. Feel free to bring stories you've read and can reference!
  2. 🧠 Mind Map β€” Together, we build a shared mind map on the board
  3. πŸ‘₯ Small Groups β€” Groups of 4–5 dive deep into one branch each
  4. πŸ“‹ Reconvene & Share β€” We come back together, share findings, and optionally draft a short collation for the EA Forum

πŸ‘ Who Should Come?

This salon welcomes everyone who wants to think rigorously about what "better" actually requires β€” not just writers. If you care about AI futures, democratic governance, or simply enjoy structured, imaginative thinking, this evening is for you.

πŸ”— Register here

Location

Mox

Get directions