Upward Spirals: New Economic Models for a Thrivable Future, Sat, Mar 15, 2011 — Thrivability in the arenas of environmental sustainability, resilience of consciousness and the good of individuals needs to be at the center of new adaptable and equitable economic models. Evolving relational networks have the capacity to change long held behaviors for manifesting value with the potential to upend current static systems of production and exchange. In addition, the economy of meaning and cultural activity are poised to play a more central role in new economic structures. Upward Spirals: New Economic Models for a Thrivable Future examines how we can make 'more is better' economies obsolete by enabling new sustainable models to flourish. Focusing on innovative projects and ideas for creating macro and micro economic structures to replace the exhausted consumer–based capitalist model, these new theories put the enhanced well being of individuals and the environment in the forefront rather than the acquisition of wealth and possessions. Speakers include Marina Gorbis, Executive Director of Institute for the Future and Neal Gorenflo, co–founder and publisher of Shareable Magazine, a nonprofit online magazine about sharing. *The term thrivable future comes from an online book by Jean Russell. http://thrivable.wagn.org/ About BAN6 Conversations: The unusual concentration of intellectual curiosity and creative energy in the Bay Area has fueled experimentation and innovation in a number of fields that have had significant impact on contemporary culture. For the sixth anniversary of our triennial — Bay Area Now 6 — we highlight six areas of influence — Food, Futurism, Community Activism, Radical Identities, Environment and Technology — through a series of roundtable conversations hosted by YBCA between February and June of 2011. Various 'experts' have been invited to participate in a public conversation with the BAN6 artists and YBCA curators. The public is also invited to observe and participate in a broader post-event conversation with the artists and guest speakers.