At our May collaboratory we reviewed the impact of Sarah Pogoda’s work on Utopias Bach and us all as individuals (and vice versa). It was a great way to think back to all we have done, and what we might do in the future.

One way that Sarah has been contributing to Utopias Bach is connecting between us and the academic world. And as an example of this, we are delighted to announce the publication of our chapter on ‘Reinventing live events, reinventing communities’ in a book exploring adaptation and resilience in the performing arts in the pandemic and beyond.

Written by Sarah (focusing on the Metamorffosis festival) and Lindsey Colbourne (focusing on Utopias Bach), our chapter is available as a free download, or buy the book (£20 with code SUN50 until 10th June)

By way of a taster, in our conclusion we say

“Our case studies show that radical imagination and practice involve a reflective shift in our processes. Both case studies have allowed processes of openness and questioning, through experiencing a time of utmost uncertainty and precariousness (pandemic, social and climate emergency). But they were resilient in that they fostered mutual care and deep noticing, allowing participants to question how things could be done. This practice requires commitment, kindness and stamina; relational tools which can only be mobilised when feeling part of a community”

If reading isn’t your thing, here’s a video of a conversation about these things, between Sarah Pogoda and Lindsey Colbourne. It will take you on a trip back to the times of the Metamorffosis festival, working with Gwalchmai school, Geocache Bach and more! ….