How do we keep the future open – in a time marked by crises, uncertainty, and a loss of hope?
Join us for the book launch of Utopia – a new publication that brings together our three-year creative and knowledge-based exploration of young people’s imagination, hope, and capacity for action.
The publication is based on the period 2023–2025, during which Utopia has been a recurring thematic focus at Roskilde Festival. Through art, communities, observations, and analysis, we have followed young participants closely to understand how a generation growing up in the shadow of global crises relates to utopias and visions of a different, more sustainable future.
The book is grounded in a growing realization: that our challenges are not only about resources, but also about imagination. Many young people find it difficult to imagine the world as anything other than it is today – even though their imagination and engagement are crucial to creating change.
The book brings together knowledge and experiences relevant to anyone working with young people and social change – from NGOs, researchers, and educational institutions to cultural actors and decision-makers.
At the book launch, we will share insights, stories, and perspectives from the publication. Insights that can be applied across everything from strategic development and education to policy work, artistic practices, and new forms of engagement.
We will gather key stakeholders and contributors and invite the young voices who have been part of the journey to a shared celebration and reflection on how, together, we can strengthen imagination and keep the future open.
We look forward to seeing you.
Practical Information
Date: January 29
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM
Venue: Nordhus, Nordhavn
Program
15:00: Arrival and coffee/cake
15:30: Welcome by Signe Lopdrup, CEO of Roskilde Festival Group
Chapter 1: What Happened to Utopia?
A conversation between youth researcher Jonas Lieberkind and Jeppe Svan from DGUB, moderated by Roskilde Festival’s Head of Philanthropy, Kara Djurhuus.
Talk/perspective by Jessica Petersen on access to formulating utopias.
Chapter 2: Utopias in the Everyday
Interviews and readings with Dagbogsskolen and others who have contributed to the book – moderated by Nils Nagel.
Chapter 3: How Can We Use the Insights from the Book?
Closing reflection by Kara Djurhuus.
Performance by Baum & Leahy
Nurturing Pantopias
To wrap up the event and unfold possible “pantopian” futures, Baum & Leahy invite everyone in the room into a moment of connection and reflection. Illuminated textile tendrils – part of their RF art x activism project Pantopia (2022–25) for the Flokkr Stage – will connect participants, inviting a meditative moment of nurturing the collective imagination of what could be.
17:00: Sparkling wine, networking, and celebration of the publication. The book will be available for purchase at the event.
18:00: The event concludes and transitions into a communal dinner in Nordhus. It is possible to buy a ticket for the Nordhus communal meal for DKK 150 and continue the evening in the house.
The event is part of our GRASP Pop Ups, where throughout the year we bring people together around knowledge, art, and conversations that challenge habitual thinking and open up new perspectives on sustainable change.
