We have created a space for dreamers, writers, artists and you (yes, you) to share ideas that are too important to leave unspoken.

The Embassy of Utopia was devised by Estonian artists Jan Teevet and Oliver Issak as part of the 2023 Prima Vista Literature Festival in Tartu and came to Manchester Central Library in June 2024 as part of Festival of Libraries for its UK premiere, as a collaboration between Manchester UNESCO City of Literature and Capital of Culture 2024 Tartu UNESCO City of Literature. Due to popular demand, we are running this event again for Festival of Libraries 2025.

This year, there will be over 60 performances across Wednesday 4th June, where bold individuals and community groups are invited to speak about their reflections on utopia, eco-futures and ecology (in the broadest) sense. What has Manchester collectively got to say?

Thanks to the strong presence of community groups on our current line-up, poets are already well-represented throughout the day. We are therefore on the lookout for alternative performances and sharing of all kinds to take up our remaining open-call slots, from live art, activism and academic reflections, to music, dance, prose and anything in between!

The performances should be no longer than 5 minutes and will take place at Manchester Central Library on Wednesday 4th June between 11-7pm during Festival of Libraries 2025. Slot times in the morning (11-1pm), afternoon (1-5pm) and evening (5-7pm) are available upon request via the google form below.

Register here: https://forms.gle/ya9qujf9qtHkDHdq5
Deadline for submissions: Midnight, 5th May 2025

Terms and Conditions:
Please be aware that by signing the form linked above you are confirming that you are over 18 years of age and available for a 5 minute slot to speak on your utopia!

You are confirming that you will adhere to Article 10 of the Freedom of Speech Act, which means the performance should contain no hate speech or incitement of physical violence and libel against other individuals. The organisers reserve the right to interrupt performances if they deem that this term has been breached.

Please limit excessive bad language and explicit material. The Embassy will take place in a public space between the hours of 10am-4:30pm and children may be present in the audience.

No political campaigning. The Embassy of Utopia is an open forum for the sharing of ideas, not the canvassing of votes.

Please note that there will be photography on the day.