FIELD TRIP
A History of Utopia with Kim Stanley Robinson and Brian Eno
An Evening of Dialogue at Oxford's Schwarzman Centre
A rare convergence of two of our era's most visionary imaginations — one a composer and producer who has spent decades sculpting ambient futures, the other the novelist who gave us the Mars trilogy and The Ministry for the Future — collaborating on a guided journey through the history of utopian thought. We're attending as a group, using this as a gathering point around a shared experience worth having together.
Brian Eno's music underscore readings by Kim Stanley Robinson alongside other authors and actors, moving from ancient philosophy through climate fiction to planetary futures. Intimate, reflective, and urgent — this is exactly the kind of cultural event that belongs in a contemplative practice.
Part of Utopia Now!, a season at the Schwarzman Centre exploring the role of the arts in making a better future possible, and Oxford Ministry for the Future's two-day takeover of the centre.
HOW THE EVENING UNFOLDS
6:30 pm We meet outside the Schwarzman Centre
We meet outside the Schwarzman Centre Half an hour to find each other before the doors open. Enter from St Giles'.
7:00 pm Conversation Begins
Sohmen Concert Hall, Schwarzman Centre, Oxford. The event is ticketed - register in advance.
After We find somewhere nearby for a drink
An evening about imagining the future will be worth continuing. We'll gather informally afterwards — details confirmed closer to the date.
PRACTICAL NOTES
Event tickets — Purchase directly through the Schwarzman Centre. Book early.
Contemplative Labs gathering fee — £5, covering coordination and hosting.
Location — Schwarzman Centre, St Giles', Oxford. No parking on site; Park & Ride or walking from central Oxford recommended.
Field Trips are Contemplative Labs gatherings built around a shared experience in the world.