Autonomous Geographies is a two year action research project run jointly by geographers at the University of Leeds and the University of Leicester, and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
We use the term ‘autonomous geographies’ to define
...those spaces where there is a desire to constitute non-capitalist, collective forms of politics, identity and citizenship, which are created through a combination of resistance and creation, and the questioning and challenging of dominant laws and social norms.
The Project looks at how activists make and remake these types of spaces in their everyday lives by exploring their core ideas, beliefs and visions, how they are translated into action, what kinds of spaces for participation and identity are created and what it means to live in-between the overlapping spaces. We are currently participating in three UK-based Case Studies and are guided by an Advisory Group. By engaging in such research, our aim is to critically explore and support autonomous spaces in the UK and the ideas, struggles and practices that bring them to life, as well as help to introduce them to new audiences.
This website is both a living archive of our project and a resource for those interested in or active in autonomous spaces and movements. By clicking on the various sections on the top right of the page, you will find out more about who we are, how our project works, our in-depth case studies, latest news concerning grassroots movements, and various useful resources and guides.
We really welcome your feedback and suggestions, so please use the Contact Us details to get in touch.
The Permaculture Association (Britain) is a small education and research charity that supports individuals and groups to learn more about the theory and practice of permaculture. It is currently advertising two vacancies for a Project Coordinator and Finance Clerk at its Leeds office. Closing date: 27 June 2008. More information can be downloaded from its website
A former PhD student and current employee Nottingham University faces deportation to Algeria on 1 June following his unjust arrest under the Terrorism Act 2000 after he printed an Al Qaeda manual as a favour for a research student. Read on and see the Free Hicham Yezza campaign.
A new book has been published bringing together the diverse stories about many of the UK’s social centres, along with thoughts on their effectiveness, the problems they encounter, and the political ideas they encapsulate. What’s this place? has been written by activists involved in social centres with support from the Autonomous Geographies project.
Undercurrents have released the latest episode of their video series ‘Living in the Future’ about Lammas and many other ecovillage type projects around the world. Living in the Future highlights how people have come together to build their own homes, grow their own food, and create lively and sustainable communities.
Rob Hopkins has recently released his new book “The Transition Handbook”. For an excellent review of this book by Robert Morgan and a video clip from Caroline Lucas MEP about the transition town movement and the new book, visit: transitionculture.org
Lammas have resubmitted their proposal to build an mutually-owned ecovillage in Wales which combines the traditional smallholding model with the latest innovations in environmental design, green technology and permaculture. Construction is planned to start in the autumn of 2008 and they are asking for support. See http://www.lammas.org.uk/ecovillage/proposal.htm
On Sat 17 May at Leeds Metropolitan University (10-5pm), Anti-Slavery International is holding an all day workshop in Leeds on the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The event will offer free resources, training and networking beyond the Bicentenary. Click the title for more info…
On Mon 28 April (5.15pm in School of Geography, Leeds), Carol Grayson will give a seminar on the ‘Global Blood Trade and its Victims’. Grayson’s MA thesis was a major force in getting an independent Public Inquiry on the issue of contaminated blood in the NHS. She will talk about how blood has become a lucrative globalised commodity, the dire implications for patients’ welfare, and the campaigns fighting for justice.
On Saturday 19th April (10am until 5pm), the Transition City network will be holding a free one day workshop exploring how Leeds well be affected by climate change and the end of cheap oil, and how we can build a positive, low carbon future for Leeds. Lunch and refreshments provided, child friendly event, but no crèche facilities. No need to book, come for all or part of the day
http://transition-city-leeds.wikispaces.com/
The (in)famous cultural theorist, Slavoj Žižek, is coming to Leeds on Tuesday 18 March (5.30-8pm, University of Leeds). Referred to as the “Elvis of Cultural Theory” and “The Marx Brother” he charismatically and provocatively examines popular culture using the unlikely pairing of German idealist philosophy and French psychoanalysis. On Tuesday March 18th, he is talking at the University of Leeds about his latest book Violence. Admission to the event is free. Click the heading for more details.