Help us spread the word about UNCIVILISATION 2011: The Dark Mountain Festival June 3, 2011

If you were with us last year in Llangollen, you’ll know that it’s not easy to describe exactly what Uncivilisation is. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of this project has been the lack of a snappy one-liner, a soundbite that sums up what it’s all about. I'm convinced that this is a strength - because it has meant that to engage with Dark Mountain involves slowing down, staying with our puzzlement, and developing what Ivan Illich once called “the capacity for second thoughts”.

At the same time, there are moments when this lack of a simple definition poses practical difficulties! How do you explain what people should expect from an event like Uncivilisation? I like these clips from last year’s festival, because they reflect people trying to express why the experience matters to them:

One thing we’ve learned is that one of the strongest reasons people come to the festival or otherwise get involved with Dark Mountain is because they’ve heard about it from friends, family or colleagues. People who can explain it in terms which are personally meaningful to them, in the context of what they’re working on, living through or trying to figure out.

So I’m writing to you this afternoon to ask for your help in sharing the invitation to this summer’s festival. Are there people you know who would appreciate the stimulation and reflection which Uncivilisation offers — people you’d like to share the experience with? Perhaps there are local groups or networks that you’re involved with, who would find this relevant to their existing conversations and projects?

If so, please pass on this email to them, or point them towards the festival website in whatever way feels most appropriate (Twitter or Facebook, perhaps):

http://uncivilisation.co.uk/

With your help, we can make this summer’s gathering a chance to meet each other and share things that matter, that resonate long after we’ve returned to our everyday worlds.

I’ll be in touch again soon with more news about the festival plans, including some exciting final additions to our line-up of speakers and performers. On Monday, Paul and I will be visiting the venue, so I’ll also put together some pictures to show more of the beautiful surroundings in which we’ll be meeting.

Meanwhile, have a good weekend — and, if you have any questions or suggestions, please drop me a line.

Thanks again,

Dougald 

Event: UNCIVILISATION 2011: The Dark Mountain Festival

Date: Friday, August 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM - Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM (GMT)

Location:
The Sustainability Centre
Droxford Road
East Meon
GU32 1HR Petersfield
United Kingdom

For more information click here: UNCIVILISATION 2011: The Dark Mountain Festival