Utopian thinking is oft derided as wishful thinking, whimsical, even useless. We live in an age of dystopian visions: AI, robot overlords, devastating climate change, corruption and inequality creating a split society of the 'haves' and the 'have nots'. But can utopian thinking propel us into a bountiful future? Join us at the Cube for a magical mystery tour of utopian thinking from the Medieval period, through the 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries… and even beyond to 2087 Avonmouth! 

Our excellent line up of speakers will consider these questions and more. Kirsten Harris will set the scene with a brief history of utopian thought, while Nate Taylor will investigate utopian ideas that have blossomed here in Bristol. Chris Coates will take us through a journey of experiments in utopian housing and community living, while Paul Reid-Bowen will explore the dangers that dystopian cultural tendencies represent. Tim Kindberg and Keir Milburn will conclude the afternoon with imaginative and speculative visions of the dystopian and utopian futures.