We believe that without boldness, we will keep repeating the same mistakes. The Imaginal Studios invite us into deeper dreaming, creating space to step beyond the limitations of the current system and reimagine the world together.

Climate breakdown, ecosystem collapse, and growing inequality are deeply interconnected and systemic. Yet, despite decades of effort, progress has remained incremental. The Imaginal Studios aim to break through these barriers by bringing together diverse changemakers — business leaders, policymakers, scientists, Indigenous voices, and youth representatives — to address entrenched issues and uncover transformative solutions.

Inspired by the idea of imaginal cells — clusters of cells in a caterpillar that hold the potential for its transformation into a butterfly and activate during metamorphosis within the chrysalis — these Studios are immersive experiences designed to spark transformation.

Rooted in curiosity and humility, the approach blends adaptive design with principles of systems thinking, collective intelligence, and emergence. It also integrates nature-centric methodologies of “listening to and with nature,” inviting participants to reconnect with the living world.

This is not about fixing the status quo. It’s about stepping into new paradigms, reimagining what is possible, and empowering a community of changemakers to turn bold visions into reality.

The oceans are rising, the ice caps are melting, and the rainforests are burning — yet we remain stuck in cycles of incrementalism. At Ostara, we believe the time has come for a radically different approach: asking bold questions about what’s holding us back and where new opportunities might lie; uncovering fresh insights by bringing together voices and perspectives that haven’t collaborated in this way before; and drawing on proven techniques from experienced systems leaders, applied in bold and experimental ways.