WHO WE ARE
"A metalogue is a conversation about some problematic subject. This conversation should be such that not only do the participants discuss the problem but the structure of the conversation as a whole is also relevant to the same subject."
Gregory Bateson
Metalogues.org is a colletive that strives for transdisciplinar and transcultural communication, addressing the often neglected "meta" aspects it involves. Our main purpose is to foster deep dialogues and collaborations between scientists, artists and the general community. We are about building bridges and bursting bubbles, as an antidote to the stagnation and inbreeding often found in modern life.
We understand this can take many shapes and work throughout different scales: on the one hand, metalogues.org is a non-conventional, organic project incubator, meaning that the focus is on promoting relations in themselves, regardless of the material outcome they may have. In this sense, we consider that the sort of "value" we care the most about is already intrinsic to the act of communication, and the materialities that may emerge (podcasts, audiovisuals, papers, etc.) are meant to be "commons." Another aspect we prioritize is real-life interaction However, we are not opposed to financial support, you can learn about our funding policies in the support section. We also try to keep bureacracy to a minimum.
On the other hand, metalogues.org is about co-shaping a safety net for those who want to explore new territories. As Bateson put it, Metalogues mainly address "problematic" subjects, implying the exploration of uncharted territories. While we encourage such incursions, we acknowledge that they often come with certain risks, as they may impact our mental health and/or social relations. We understand that problematic subjects are better addressed as a collective challenge. Learn more about this in our community section!
WHAT WE DO
Have you ever had a radical idea, but lacked the means or support to explore it, pressure test it, and bring it to life? To paraphrase John Lennon: you may be a dreamer, but you're not the only one.
Many brilliant ideas remain locked inside the minds of their hosts, waiting for the right conditions to unfold. In today’s world, even getting an idea off the ground often requires jumping through bureaucratic hoops, drafting rigid proposals, and navigating funding systems that demand full-time attention before you've even begun. And when support finally comes, it's often tied to narrow expectations, fixed timelines, and excessive reporting—draining energy from creativity and collaboration.
At metalogues.org, we offer an alternative: a space for ideas to breathe.
As an organic incubator for experimental projects, we welcome your initiatives at any stage—wild concepts, early prototypes, or already budding practices. Think of your idea as a seed, a pollen grain, or a pheromone drifting toward connection. Metalogues is the ecosystem where it can land, take root, and evolve in symbiosis with others.
How It Works
We host and support projects through three main entry points (though overlaps are welcome):
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Community organizing initiatives
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Support for secondary school and early-career students
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Transcultural and transdisciplinary collaborations
Once you contact us, we’ll co-host a brainstorming session to explore your idea’s stage (pollen, seed, sprout, etc.). Then, we’ll choose a format to help it take its first public steps—perhaps as a podcast, blog entry, video, or other media suited to your style. We'll also help you identify potential collaborators, supporters, and platforms to grow its reach.
Every project within metalogues is expected to share regular updates—essays, photos, videos, reflections—through our website and social media. However, we never claim authorship: your work remains part of the commons, and you’re free to publish it anywhere else.
Funding is supported mainly through crowdfunding and mutual aid, especially via Liberapay Teams. Supporters can allocate contributions directly to the projects they value. Metalogues takes a small 5% to cover basic operational costs; the remaining 95% goes directly to the project accounts. We don’t manage your funds—you do. Reach out and find out more!