15 minutes of Utopia
Expression of Interest Form
What is it?
As a key part of Utopia 2016: A Year of Imagination and Possibility, we are holding a series of lunch
time talks which bring together the creative community of Somerset House to share in and celebrate
each other’s practices, projects and approaches to working better.
If you are interested in taking part, please pop by the Great Arch Hall (South Wing) to talk to a
Utopia Treasurer in person or email this completed form to treasury@somersethouse.org.uk.
What could I talk about for 15 minutes?
1. Share something you’ve learnt that would be useful to peers. This could be related to your
work or something else entirely. It could be a skill, a bit of knowledge, or an approach.
2. Show and talk through a project you are working on that has a Utopian focus.
3. Inspire us and talk about something that inspires you in your daily work and/or life.
Who is the audience?
Mainly other residents here at Somerset House, but members of the public may want to stop and
listen to what is going on too.
Where?
Utopia Treasury: A Repository of Utopian Ideas
(Great Arch Hall, South Wing, Somerset House)
When?
13.00-13.15 weekdays
Can I show objects, images or a short film?
Yes, just discuss your idea with the Utopia Treasurer
I haven’t read the book, what are they key themes and ideas?
 Utopia 2016: A Year of Imagination and Possibility celebrates the 500th anniversary of
Thomas More’s inspirational text, Utopia.
 Thomas More was the first person to give a name and form to an idea that has captured the
human imagination throughout history: that by imagining a better world is possible, we are
empowered to create it.
 His playful and imaginative vision, published in 1516, presents an ideal society living on a


fictitious island, described in a traveler’s tale.
More’s Utopia is deliberately ambiguous, with the Greek words on which the name is based
meaning both ‘no place’ and ‘good place’.
Utopia is not a blueprint for the future; instead More places importance on the process of
dreaming in the now. His work continues to inspire communities, thinkers and artists and
provide a framework for innovation in our time.
What else is happening as part of the year?
Check out www.utopia2016.com to find out more!
Who else is involved?
UTOPIA 2016 is a collaboration between three neighbours: Somerset House, King’s College
London and the Courtauld Institute and Gallery, in partnership with the British Library, the AHRC,
Guardian Live, London School of Economics and Political Science, Verso, the British Council and
engages many of the 300 plus creative organisations, artists and makers resident at Somerset
House.
What if I’ve got a bigger scale idea?
Please chat to the Utopia Treasurer about it!
Your name and
organisation
Email
Contact number
Brief description of
your proposed 15
minutes of Utopia
Thank you!!
Utopia 2016 Team
.