What's The Story?
There was silver up in these hills.
It's still beautiful, Silverton--covered in forest and surrounded on all sides by mountains thought impassable except by crazy men. Every year, some of their descendants come back to achieve that which is as close to dying as possible: glory.
Silverton is the site of the Hardrock 100, an ultramarathon that tests the limits of human endurance in the crucibles of this former mining town. It is therefore the perfect location for a group of like-minded individuals to stake out a new type of homestead, one combining the rugged splendor of the outdoors, the pedigree of the Wild West, and the promise of the new Creative Economy.
What we propose is simple: three days, a dozen people, one town. Freed from the everyday, the hustle and bustle of city life; joined with other individuals who not only seek personal glory, but want to work as a collective to build something of lasting value.
Every person who was invited was invited on the merits of their passion, their drive, and their optimism. Every person has their own unique interests and strengths which will add to the whole. The success of this project is tied to everyone's success.
If you should accept this invitation, you will have the distinction of being the first in what we envision will be the start of a worthy, rugged endeavor. You will be a miner for a heart of silver, a pioneer at the very edge of the world.
What Does This Entail?
The Silverton Ideas Festival will take place in Silverton, Colorado from August 16 to 19, 2018. It will be physically based around the Bent Elbow, a hotel and former brothel.
Everyone will be responsible for their own travel arrangements. Airfare to/from California is approximately $450. We will rent the Bent Elbow and everyone will be responsible for their share of the accommodations. There will also be communal food and drink, although Silverton is also home to a small number of very fine eateries.
What Must I Do Before Then?
Have an idea. Have a project. Think about what you want to do, or continue doing what you're doing. Every one of us has a creative project--whether it is writing, photography, music, or a startup. The three days will be a way for us to work in semi-isolation, to make progress on our individual goals.
What Do I Do At The Festival?
However, the Silverton Ideas Festival is much more than that. Every night, we will be expected to share a portion of our work to keep each other (and ourselves) accountable. In addition, in the weeks prior to the festival, we will brainstorm a collective project for us to work on while in Silverton. This project does not need to be completed by the end of the festival, but may be the start of something of value in the real world.
Also, we expect to engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, yoga, bouldering, swimming, and running. We also expect to drink heavily.
What Will We Do With Ourselves After The Festival?
Continue our own projects with newfound vigor. Continue the collective project and bring it to fruition. Recruit and plan for the second annual Silverton Ideas Festival.