program
description

This is an open call for a three-day experimental kick-off event brought to you by the newly forming School of Humans, hosted by our sister organization, School of Machines, Making & Make-Believe.

School of Humans as a concept has been in the works since 2021, born out of the desire to more fully understand this human experience by creating unique opportunities for humans to connect over shared experiences and intimate conversation. 

We believe that humans can greatly benefit from discussing and sharing our lived human experiences with each other, and that through a warm and gentle collective exploration of why we matter, we might more deeply and viscerally understand why other people matter, too. What can we learn from each other? And how can we use this as fuel to make it through these difficult times ahead?

We would love to look more closely at the issues of our times with you, and question why this is happening from varying human perspectives. This is an open call built on hope and the belief that through collective awareness and knowledge sharing, we can begin to build more emotionally resilient solidarity networks which will be crucial for our sanity and survival.

Practically speaking, with this open call we aim to bring together 6-10 people for a weekend of human connection; a kind of human mind hackathon if you will. We will gather for three days to explore our lived experiences and what it has meant to be human thus far. Together we will question where we humans get things wrong, and how might we, through creative and artistic intervention, begin to intervene.

School of Machines has over the years brought together humans from around the world, using technology as a catalyst to get at something real; those tangible human truths that can help the world feel less daunting, more connected, interesting and fun. School of Humans has similar goals, choosing to focus on the breadth of human experiences as the main point of connection in arriving at this same place.

With this event we aim to create a framework for what School of Humans will become and we are excited to hear from those of you interested in being a part of it!

How often do we get to share what’s deep in our hearts and minds with strangers while laying groundwork for mutual aid and support of others? If this sounds appealing, please apply!

Application deadline 20. November.

brief outline

Day 1. Present Day. Who are we now, in this moment?

An informal gathering, potluck and discussion to get to know each other and set the framework for working together over the next two days. A discussion on methods of documentation and final outcomes will also take place.

Day 2. Past. Who were we? Why were we that way? 

We spend this day getting to know each other more deeply, sharing our past experiences, and using them as a foundation to map out the human experience as we see it, from birth to death. Our goal is to understand where we humans get lost and where outside interventions could be most helpful.

Day 3. Future. Where can we go from here?

We will synthesize what we have discovered into a plan for intervention. What would a better future look like? Where shall we put our greatest efforts going forward, knowing what we now know? This day will be focused on discussion, documentation, and planning for more desirable futures.

about fees

This is a diy mutual support and donation-based event. While there are no explicit fees, we ask everyone to bring food and drink to our communal potluck and any specific snacks you desire to have present over the course of the weekend. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. 

We are happy to receive donations after the event from anyone with a desire and ability to contribute, however, this is not a requirement. 

Donations can be made to:

Make-Believe Foundation gUG (haftungsbeschr.)

Veteranenstr. 21

10119 Berlin, Germany

DE20 4306 0967 1296 7630 00

Tax number: 27/614/03237

who is this event for?

This event invites anyone interested in the contradictions between the macros and micros of life and understanding society and ourselves in deeper ways. Do you see what is happening in the world and wish it would be any different? We are happy to invite open, inquisitive, thoughtful humans from any discipline to share in this small and intimate event with us. No prior experience needed.

meet the facilitator