HAVE you ever wondered what the world we live in will look like in a 100 years’ time?

St Helens’ Library Service is inviting the public to take part in a free virtual workshop to feed ideas into a project and imagine - without limits - what a St Helens of the future might be.

As part of a digital development strand of work, in partnership with Ideas Alliance, St Helens Library Service is working with composers Leo & Hyde, and virtual-reality artist Rosie Summers, to deliver 'Solarpunk St Helens' – inspired by an art movement which envisions how the future might look if humanity succeeded in solving major contemporary challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability problems such as climate change and pollution.

An open workshop, led by Leo & Hyde, will empower attendees to explore creative ways in which technology can tackle some of the biggest challenges the borough and the world face – and form a discussion with some practical exercises that people can enjoy at home that will enable participants to think outside the box to imagine a utopian vision of a future St Helens Borough.

An attendee at a previous taster workshop said: "This was a really brilliant session, enabling me to really think what I would like a future St Helens to be.

“I've got absolutely no artistic skill and really didn't need any to attend. Solar panelled flying cars and parking spaces that double up as artist studios – brrrrilliant."

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture & Heritage, said: “With exciting regeneration plans in place to improve our borough which the arts will play an important role in, this is a creative and accessible opportunity for people to share their ideas on what they hope for a St Helens of the future.

“You don't need any artistic experience to take part - just an open mind.”

The Solarpunk St Helens open workshop will take place over zoom from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, February 25.

To book your free place, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/solarpunk-st-helens-tickets-140116368831

Solarpunk St Helens is being delivered as part of the Cultural Hubs: Arts in Libraries programme, funded by Arts Council England and delivered by St Helens Borough Council’s Library Service, which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

There’s still time to have your say to help shape the local arts scene over the next ten years.

The St Helens Borough Arts Strategy - developed with partners across the arts sector - sets out the strategic direction of the arts, including how it can support post Covid-19 recovery plans and play an important role during future development and regeneration projects.

To view the strategy and take part in the consultation, which closes on February 28, visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/VPD51F