The Forum, Assembly or by the Ancient Greek name, Agora is a place for considered debate using creative bespoke tools honed to support deliberative democracy AND CITIZENS ASSEMBLIES.
The agora (English: /ˈæɡ.ə.rə/ or /əˈɡɔː.rə/[1]; Ancient Greek: ἀγορά, romanized: agorá, meaning "market" in Modern Greek) was a central public space in ancient Greek city-states. The literal meaning of the word "agora" is "gathering place" or "assembly". The agora was the centre of the athletic, artistic, business, social, spiritual, and political life in the city.[2] The Ancient Agora of Athens is the best example. Wikipedia
Our aim is to connect populations with positive change makers by tilting society’s lens to the progressive long term thinking of change organisations, the arts, science and humanities often augmented by creating forums engaging in participatory democracy.
Reinventing the Agora. A physical interpretation of the Olive Network - the Agora - a fountain, the font engraved with ‘fontana’ in international translations and scripts,, monitors quietly showing Voices For Now, For Tomorrow, a wall size screen gently scrolling through salient images from the website and a working maquette of the New Internationalism tower. You can see elements of the Agora in this experimental exhibition: Petricor, Un Nuevo Internacionalismo
Agora becomes the New Museum and in a subtle way an immersive internationalism and homage to humanity. We curate beautiful films like Hiver Nomade, we have a programme of artworks that call to the senses and a meeting space where the walls are lined with beautiful books and interactive screens.
By going back, referencing the Agora of old, we can see where we are ‘now’ more clearly. A fountain etched with many languages … an olive garden… ancient books. A physical space makes it real. FACT. So it’s not just about AI.
We invite change organisations, charities and thinkers to speak…about innovations in Dwelling, architecture, sustainability, about Degrowth and Systems Change. participatory democracy and Citizens’ Assemblies. Importantly, Education.
Future thinking - we may trial citizens assemblies that can also transmit in libraries and museums around the country and, working with Shared Studios, internationally. There can be live ‘life size’ conversations across the globe.
The Olive Network is a contemporary directory, a research tool for scholars and educators. Stories and ideas drawn from fact, research, reason and vision, a living 365 portal that is a home for salient and urgent contemporary issues. Agora is the physical manifestation of the Olive Network.
The olive tree can live for over 2,000 years and still bear fruit. It can provide light, shelter, food, fuel and healing. For thousands of years, the olive tree has served as a symbol of sacredness, peace and unity. We believe the Olive Network is an inclusive democratic network fit for progressive change in the 21st century.
ASSEMBLIES - an early trial TBC
There are two topics here, a survey based on a webinar from Climate Action and a case arguing for sustained Citizens Assemblies to be established by governments (in this instance UK). Please participate. You will need to follow the links and register. Many thanks.
