What We Do

In this illustration of the year 2000 produced in 1899 by French artist Jean-Marc Côté, citizens occupy a town square and wait for aero cabs.
In this illustration of the year 2000 produced in 1899 by French artist Jean-Marc Côté, citizens occupy a town square and wait for aero cabs. See more visions of the future from the past.

Some of the Ad Astra Center's many facets

Stewardship – The Ad Astra Center aims to build on the large body of existing science fiction and speculative literature and scholarship, carrying our understanding of the genre and its interactions with science, art, history, policy, and philosophy far into the future.

Writing – Through courses, workshops, and masterclasses dedicated to fiction-writing and summer programs, the Ad Astra Center offers opportunities to put theory into practice by creating works of speculative literature.

Education – Our directors, Chris McKitterick and Kij Johnson, have both been teaching creative writing and speculative-fiction literature for 30 years. The Center’s educational efforts are not limited to the classroom, though - through community programs, workshops, library events, and more, the Ad Astra Center and its staff actively engage with the broader science fiction audience.

Events – In addition to public talks, we offer many ongoing events, including small-session discussions, writing workshops, topic presentations, and more.