Description Long

The participants gather around the large sheet of paper (at least 1x2 metres) and are provided with scissors, tape and magazines. During an open creative phase, they cut out images, sketch, and combine elements imaginatively to visually express the scope of the topic. Meanwhile, the workshop facilitators introduce additional images, which are incorporated into the collage to inspire dialogue. Once the collage is complete, three to five key focus areas are identified in the plenary for more in-depth exploration. These sections are cut out and assigned to small groups for further development. In the second phase, each cut-out is enriched with further sketches and magazine clippings. Participants are encouraged to deliberately disregard existing boundaries and constraints, allowing visionary — even dystopian — ideas to emerge. Finally, each group presents its ‘utopian collage’ to the plenary, compares outcomes and shares reflections.

Preparation

• Collect magazines in advance.
• Prepare a sufficient number of scissors, pens and adhesive tape.
• Large sheet of paper for the collage (at least 1x2 metres)
• Flipchart paper for the second step
• Options for displaying/hanging up the work

Execution

1. The participants gather around the large sheet of paper (at least 1x2 metres) and are provided with scissors, adhesive tape and magazines.
2. The facilitators then explain the process and agree on the time frame for creating the collage.
3. In the first step (approx. 30 minutes), the participants begin creating the collage. During this phase, the facilitators introduce additional images, which are incorporated into the collage to stimulate dialogue.
4. Once the collage is complete, the group identifies three to five key focus areas in a plenary session (roughly A4-sized sections of the collage), marking them with sticky dots for closer examination.
5. These sections are cut out and assigned to smaller sub-groups of two to four people for further development. Group allocation is based on interest.
6. In the second step (approx. 30 minutes), the selected cut-outs are expanded with further sketches and magazine clippings. Participants are encouraged to look beyond existing boundaries and constraints, leading to the creation of utopian or even dystopian visions.
7. Finally (approx. 30 minutes), the sub-groups present their “utopian collage” to the plenary, compare the outcomes, and reflect on or comment on each other’s results.

Hints from experience

• During the creation process, similar content can be clustered or deliberately placed apart.
• The additional magazine clippings introduced by the workshop facilitators serve as further inspiration or deliberate disruption. Their purpose is to help challenge any prevailing “fixed ideas” and to support the exploratory and creative nature of the work.

Tools list

• Arts and craft material
• Chairs
• duct tape
• Paper, big, flipchart
• Pencils, board markers
• Sticky dots
• Wall for collective work

References

This method was developed on the occasion of the Future Forum Lucerne.