Below is a message sent to our network of alumni, supporters and subscribers to our email dispatches. Sign up at the end of the page to receive these every month or so. We promise it will be useful and informative! —ed.
We are currently sandwiched between two new years: the solar and lunar. There is a double sense of newness—a chance of catching the tipping point again—so happy new year twice over!
I know it’s a cliche, but it’s a time of the year where we get to be reflective and plan ahead.
What was your 2016 like? And what do you hope to achieve in 2017?
2016 was a big year for us. It was the year we began our leap forward from our origin story. Back in 2015 we launched as a track (i.e. Track X) offered by the Designing for Social Innovation Leadership (DSIL). We're grateful for the relationship we fostered with the visionary folks at DSIL during this time, and the freedom they gave us to test out a number of different things that led us to where we are today.
In mid-2016 Akira and I took the full leap and we rebranded the programme as "The School of Slow Media” (SoSM)—a name which we believe articulates a larger, long-term vision for ourselves and sets the stage for what will come in the next few years. That includes defining “Slow Media” on our own terms which is currently a work-in-progress as we finish our manifesto.
In November, we ran the first REMIX version of the programme in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Imagine the same intensity to create mini-docs, the same ferocious sense of teamwork, and the same focus on mindfulness and “slow media”—all compressed into 3 days! We had so much fun. Here are some images from that session.
2017 is going to be even bigger.
This year, we plan to build out our first 10-day Cambodia programme in late August/Early September, and pepper the way to it with a couple of 3-day REMIX programs in Hanoi and Saigon.
Will you be there? Do you know anybody who is perfect for these programs?
Refining, and building on, what went so well last year makes both of us super excited. We are taking the content and structure deeper than before, too. We can’t wait to share what we are uncovering.
We will follow up with official dates and more details very soon. In the meantime, please send us what your highlights of 2016 were, and your new year’s hopes and dreams. We would love to be part of your journey, as you are of ours! Again, thanks for being part of School of Slow Media. We look forward to sharing more stories with you.
Much love and abrazos,
Samuel
Founder + Programme Director