The contested space of the future, how it is envisioned and theorized, and what this reveals about our present moment is an area of increased academic inquiry in the humanities and social sciences.

In this symposium, the organizers are interested in exploring how the futures imagined in African and Asian contexts key into social issues and explore alternative possibilities. How have speculative genres evolved in different cultures and communities outside the West? What does it mean for artists, activists and writers in these regions to imagine and anticipate the future, and how do their visions of tomorrow speak to and illuminate the present moment? Our aim is to have a conversational gathering, establishing a network of researchers for future collaborations.

Students and early career researchers are encouraged to apply.

Please send an abstract (250-300 words) and short bio to futuritybeyond@cluttergmail.com. 

The deadline for submitting abstracts is 31 May.
Notification of acceptance will be sent out by June 12.

Possible topics include but are not limited to:

• Theorising decoloniality and the future
• Dystopia/utopia
• Postcolonial science fiction
• Futurity and new media/genres
• Alternative/ avant-garde imaginaries of futurity
• Imagined futures and revolutions
• Feminism/gender studies and futurity
• Environmental studies and post-extractive futures

Venue: Brunei Gallery, SOAS University of London