Opening Space for the Radical Imagination conference!

The Institute for Anarchist Studies (IAS) is proud to co-sponsor the “Opening Space for the Radical Imagination” conference in Corvallis, Oregon. This gathering intends to explore “formats to address, fabricate and discuss social transformation that challenge the standard model of an academic conference. It invites participants to create a common space for radical imagination and social justice that goes beyond a skill-share for radical organizers. Radical Imagination invites us to engage in a profound critique of what seems obvious (radical = that goes to the roots of something) and to explore alternative ways of living together – producing, loving, shaping spaces and time, inhabiting the land, working, using, struggling. It is an appeal to decolonize social relations and the dominant imaginaries that justify oppression and injustice. Radical Imagination is not just about dreaming alternative futures. It lures us into embodying alternatives in practices, actions, and thinking.”

The conference takes place at Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon Friday, April 19thand Saturday, April 20th

Several IAS members, as well as people who have written articles for our journal, Perspectives on Anarchist Theory, or authored or edited books with us, in conjunction with AK Press, will be sharing their work and giving presentations, including:

Lara Messersmith-Glavin, who is on the board of the IAS and a member of the Perspectives collective, will give a workshop Friday, April 19th at 3pm, called “Hearts & Minds: A Thinkshop on How Ideas Really Move in the Digital Age,” in Memorial Union Horizon Room. Kevin Van Meter, author of the IAS/AK Press title Guerillas of Desire, and author of several essays published by Perspectives, and a member of our Mutual Aid Speakers list, talks about how “To Care is to Struggle” Saturday at 2pm; and Hillary Lazar, who has written two essays for Perspectives and is also available to speak via the IAS’ Mutual Aid Speakers list, talks on the subject of “Towards a Decolonial Antifascism” Sat. at 5pm.  On top of all this, adrienne maree brown, co-editor of the IAS/AK Press title Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements, which has sold 42,000 copies, does the keynote talk, “Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good” – based on her recent book, a New York Times bestseller – Friday, April 19th at 7pm. 

In addition, the IAS will be tabling both Friday and Saturday, with all our books, Perspectives issues, and t-shirts, alongside comrades N.O. Bonzo, AK Press, and PM Press. 

For the full schedule, go here: www.oregonimagines.com

Tickets for keynote speakers are still available at oregonimagines.com/attendee

(Accommodations for disability can be made by contacting 541-737-3421)

Parking is free on campus Saturday and Sundays. Corvallis Transit runs Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. Uber, Lyft, and taxi are available in Corvallis. Oregon State University operates ASOSU Saferide from 7pm-2am seven days a week. 

To contact an organizer with any questions, go to:

oregonradicalimagination.com

twitter.com/oregonimagines

facebook.com/imaginativespaces