What is A wild future lab?

The Wild Future Labs are dedicated incubator spaces specifically designed to support and foster long-term creative research projects focused on local arts, community engagement, ecological resilience, and rewilding initiatives. These labs provide a collaborative environment for artists, designers, and scientists to come together and drive innovation in these areas. Currently, there are two locations: one situated in Nairobi and the other in the wilderness outside Aspen, Colorado.

Introduction

The Wild Future Labs were initiated in 2021 by a collective of artists, designers, scientists, and community leaders who recognized the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change and ecological degradation. With a firm commitment to creating a more sustainable and resilient future, the labs actively pursue the following objectives:

• Facilitating collaboration among artists, designers, and scientists to undertake extensive research projects aimed at confronting the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and ecological degradation.

• Developing novel models of community engagement and ecological resilience that can be replicated and implemented in local communities worldwide, fostering widespread positive change.

• Raising awareness about the critical significance of wild spaces and advocating for the essential practice of rewilding, promoting the restoration and protection of ecosystems.

• Inspiring individuals to take meaningful action to safeguard our planet's precious natural resources, creating a collective drive for environmental conservation.

Goals

The Wild Future Labs pursue a variety of goals, including:

• Fostering collaboration among artists, designers, and scientists: The labs provide a unique space for artists, designers, and scientists to come together and share ideas. This collaboration is essential for developing innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change and ecological degradation.

• Developing novel models of community engagement and ecological resilience: The labs work with local communities to develop new models of community engagement and ecological resilience. These models can be replicated in other communities around the world, helping to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

• Raising awareness about the critical significance of wild spaces and advocating for the essential practice of rewilding: The labs raise awareness about the critical significance of wild spaces and advocate for the essential practice of rewilding. Rewilding is the process of restoring and protecting ecosystems, and it is essential for the long-term health of our planet.

• Inspiring individuals to take meaningful action to safeguard our planet's precious natural resources: The labs inspire individuals to take meaningful action to safeguard our planet's precious natural resources. This action can take many forms, such as participating in environmental conservation efforts, reducing their environmental impact, and advocating for environmental protection policies.

Activities

The Wild Future Labs provide a diverse array of programs and activities catered to artists, designers, scientists, and community members alike. These offerings include:

• Residencies: The labs offer residencies to artists, designers, and scientists. These residencies provide participants with the opportunity to conduct extensive research projects, allowing them to explore and develop their ideas over an extended period.

• Workshops and training sessions: The labs offer workshops and training sessions focused on various aspects of ecological resilience and rewilding. These workshops and training sessions equip participants with valuable knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges effectively.

• Public events and exhibitions: The labs host public events and exhibitions aimed at raising awareness about the significance of wild spaces and rewilding. These events and exhibitions encourage public engagement and participation in environmental conservation efforts.

• Collaborative partnerships with local communities: The labs work with local communities to implement projects that tackle climate change and ecological degradation. These partnerships foster a sense of collective responsibility and ownership among community members.

Impact

The Wild Future Labs have had a significant impact on the fight against climate change and ecological degradation. The labs have helped to foster collaboration among artists, designers, and scientists, develop novel models of community engagement and ecological resilience, raise awareness about the critical significance of wild spaces, and inspire individuals to take meaningful action to safeguard our planet's precious natural resources.

The labs are an important part of the solution to the climate crisis. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and working to develop innovative solutions, the labs are helping to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.