Imagining Thrutopia

When: September 3-10

Where: Bidston Observatory, the Wirral

Cost: £400-650 (higher tiers on a donation basis to cover organisers’ time & on whether they would like to be in a less crowded room)

This civilisation is dying, but there will be people and seeds of a new civilisation that survive it. Our imaginations are often stuck on a binary track between utopia and dystopia. What if we imagined the way through, treading the line of the pragmatic sublime? Climate Majority Project research on Silent Majorities shows us how we are much less alone than we fear with our beliefs, that most Britons believe societal collapse in their lifetimes is likely and are disaffected with business as usual. But where is a viable transition scenario we can get behind? 

This Residency is designed and co-led by Liam Kavanagh, Jadzia Tedeschi and Rupert Read, in concert and conversation with several others. In true CMP & the Raft fashion, we will be asking difficult and sometimes even uncomfortable questions: the belief that transition could (or must) eradicate global injustice and inequality is quite high among progressives, but sounds to many others like an attempt at socialist utopia that would inevitably fail in its lofty goals, while bringing with it oppressive state interventions. The possibilities of social justice utopia on one hand and of dystopian collapse on the other seem predominant in the current public imaginary. Less idealised and more varied scenarios wherein collapse is averted – and in which injustice, markets, and inequality are less salient but still exist – are not discussed as widely. Our enquiry will be based on convening discussions about alternative futures involving politically diverse audiences. 

Practicalities

There will be time to work (5-6 hours a day being a comfortable amount). Most food will be vegan but you are welcome to supplement as you wish – there is a big tesco within walking distance.

Tentative schedule (can change also based on participants’ needs):

7-8 am: optional meditation 

8-9 am: optional breakfast
9:30-10:15 am: collective care for cooking, cleaning, gardening

10:15-11:30am open space ((or sometimes this might be shifted to the afternoon, instead))

11:30 am-1 pm: own time
1-2 pm: buffet lunch (Nb there will often be a semi-structured conversation over lunch) and dishes
2-6 pm: own time
6-7 pm: table dinner (Nb there will often be a structured conversation over dinner; please arrive promptly) and dishes
7:30pm-9pm: evening activity; please plan on definitely coming to this.

The weekend will be completely unscheduled and a time for rest and informal conversations and conviviality. One day might consist of a field-trip to nearby Port Sunlight, a utopian town project by Unilever, as an object of contemplation for utopian discussion.


We want to create a space that is safe, supportive, and nourishing for everyone. By joining this gathering you agree to:

1. Respect for the Group & Space

  •  Engage with kindness, openness, and confidentiality—what is shared in the group stays in the group.

  • Respect different perspectives, backgrounds, and spiritual traditions.

  • Participate to the best of your ability, while honouring your own boundaries.

2. Wellbeing & Responsibility

  • This residency is not a therapy space. While deep emotions may arise, you are responsible for your own wellbeing.

  • If you are struggling, please reach out to a facilitator, but know that we are not trained mental health professionals.

  • You are responsible for your own physical and emotional safety during the retreat, including any time spent in nature or engaging in activities.

  • We will not take any responsibility for drug or alcohol use.

3. Logistics & Practicalities

  •  Accommodation and meals are included, and we will do our best to meet dietary needs (all meals are vegetarian) - you must let us know of any allergies in advance.

  • You are responsible for arranging your own travel to and from the retreat.

  • Deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations within 14 days of the retreat will not be eligible for a refund (unless in exceptional circumstances).