The anthropocene is defined as the epoch where human impacts shape the geological aspects of the world. This altered landscape has infected our imagination, where our imagination can no longer entertain a world where human actions are restricted for the sake of all species. We seem to have reached a point where the popular imagination cannot conceive of a future in which our actions are limited to protect non human species. This lack of imagination is what Commonplace Journal is aiming to tackle, by creating a space where reimagining is possible.

Can we reimagine the world as it is? Is it possible to reimagine the relationships between humans and the landscape, other species, or even ourselves and our social contracts?

Within this mindset we are looking for written texts and visual projects to publish. In addition to themes suggested below, we are open to any other ideas and expressions that might come along. We are generally interested in projects related to natural sciences, ecology, biodiversity, geology, anthropology, ethnography, sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, art, culture, queer and gender studies, political science, economy, etc. 

Suggested themes & questions to explore:

Systems & Governing

• What does a government look like?
• Communication between species.
• What is economy to all species?
• What is political representation for non human species?
• What does a post-anthropocenic government look like?
• What is citizenship to all species?
• Wealth/inequality between species.
• Culture in a post human landscape.
• What does it mean to be a human in this world?
  
  

Resources:

• Who eats who?
• Crime and punishment between species. 
• Predator/prey and ecocide.
• Climate change
• What is wealth to species?
• Landscape rights?
• How would species evolve with adequate resources?
  
  

Rights:

• Equality/rights between all living entities?
• Difference in lifespans/making voting equal between this disparity.
• Agency between species
• Geological/ecological landscapes before and post anthropocene. What is the right level?
  
  

SUBMISSIONS

We are open to several submission formats:

For written work, the suggested word count is between 500 and 2,500 words for finalised projects. For the purpose of the open call we ask for an abstract of 200-500 words. 

For visual work please send us completed projects or detailed sketches and specify the amount of visuals you would like to deliver for the final submission. 

We regret to say that we are not able to pay for your contributions at the moment, as this project is self initiated. We do not support this practice, so we hope to solve this as soon as possible.

Thank you all for all your valuable submissions in advance, we look forward to hearing from all of you!