Ursprung Retreat IV: Creativity Beyond Computation
This winter, we turn to the strange new companions in the lineage of tools for thought, and ask: what kind of ideas emerge when the tool not only shapes thought, but talks back?
How does it feel to create with generative systems that respond, anticipate us, remix us and hallucinate for us? What remains stubbornly human in the creative act, and what do we learn about our own minds - and the limits of computability - from the attempt to recreate it artificially? And crucially, how do we collaborate with these new mediums without flattening our own creative sensibilities?
Now that we’ve domesticated the predictable and entered an era of infinite generativity, we consider how to situate ourselves as creators in this new terrain. How should society, our institutions and legal systems adapt? How might we reclaim and rewild our creative cognition to build with, via and against these synthetic minds so very unlike our own?
Spots available: 18 max.
Location: a cosy chalet high in the mountains in Vorarlberg, Austria. Details shared upon invitation.
Application
Deadline: September 1st 2025
We welcome applications from creative and thoughtful individuals from all disciplines, backgrounds and ages. If you seem like a good fit, you'll be invited for a short interview to get to know each other. We'll get back to you by early September.
We're also hosting our third retreat on Tools for Thought in November 2025. You are encouraged to apply to both! If your application is successful, you'll have the opportunity to choose the weekend you feel fits you the best.
Pricing
Ursprung is currently funded entirely by its participants. We therefore have a tiered pricing scheme:
Student 350€
For students and those on low income. We hope to offer a limited number of even further discounted tickets to those in need; please do apply anyway if the cost would otherwise keep you from attending.
Professional 550€
For those who work. Your support makes this retreat accessible to an interdisciplinary and diverse cohort from all walks of life.
Supporter 1000€
For those who can afford it, we would be highly grateful for your support to make the continuation of the ursprung project possible. Let us know if you want to contribute a different amount.