Imagining and Writing Protopian Futures for New York City

Join us for an inspiring workshop exploring the concept of "Protopian" futures, a term coined by Kevin Kelly, founder of WIRED Magazine! 🌍✨

In this hands-on session, we'll delve into protopian futuring, covering various imaginative exercises, fiction writing prompts, and the art of collective future-weaving. Together, we'll co-create a New York City that is workably better than today.

Inspired by the Protopian Prize Fiction Contest's two categories—Public AI & Democratic Futures—we’ll be envisioning vibrant public infrastructures where AI serves the common good, and democratic engagement fosters enthusiastic participation! 🗳️💡

🚀 Workshop Highlights:

• Craft a postcard from a future New Yorker sharing improvements in community services like the revamped 311 system.
• Write a headline about tenants successfully using real-time data to combat housing issues.
• Create love letters hidden within public comments on city bills!

This workshop is co-hosted by Metagov's Protopian Prize Fiction Contest and garden3d, a worker-owned creative collective dedicated to enhancing communities through innovative design.

✨ Submissions:
Participants will be invited to submit their stories to The Protopian Prize Fiction Contest, open until July 31st!

• Stories should be between 500-6,000 words. Winners receive $5K and publication in an anthology by MIT Press! 📚🏆
  Learn more here!

Meet the Facilitators:

• Val Elefante (she/they): Independent technology researcher, writer, & Project Lead.
• irawo ajasin (they/them): Designer, technologist, educator, and artist.

About the Protopian Prize:
An exciting short story fiction contest inviting storytellers to envision liberatory futures, tackle obstacles, and push for real change.

Prize Categories:

1. Public AI Prize: Focus on AI for public benefit, ethical practices, and collective ownership.
2. Democratic Futures Prize: Explore ways to enhance public autonomy and counter challenges to democracy.

🌐 Sponsors & Partners:
Supported by The Center for Cultural Innovation, Flower Hill Fund, and others. Partners include Locus Magazine, Girls Write Now, and Talk to the City among others.

For inquiries, contact Val at val@metagov.org.
Where: Index Chinatown
Register Here: Reserve your spot!