Every year, 24 young people take on the challenge of imagining the future together, across borders, away from preconceived ideas and cherished beliefs. Inspired by the work of artist Koen Vanmechelen and the environment of LABIOMISTA, they think out new perspectives and ideas. Their sounding board: a transdisciplinary group of renowned artists and scientists and an inspiring Pythia. Together, they build the library of the future. In July 2023, we kick off the third chapter of The Unthinkable Experiment: Chapter Movement. Join us in imagining the future.
- Who? 24 young people, ages 18 to 28
- Language? main language English
- Where? LABIOMISTA in Genk, with a 24h excursion in Brussels (BE)
- When? 8 days in July and 1 day in October.
The project is split up between various sessions. Participants commit to take part in all sessions:
Session 1: Ideation
3 Days: participants choose one of the following options: 30 June – 2 July, 3 July – 5 July OR 6 July – 8 July
Session 2: Cross fertilisation & Co-creation
5 Days: 11 July – 15 July
Session 3: Presentation and action
1 day: 8 October
Ideation
Participants choose one of the following options: June 30 – July 2, July 3-5 OR July 6-8
We start small. On three separate occasions, three groups of 8 young people immerse themselves in LABIOMISTA. To think and dream about the meaning of movement. In the freedom of art, in the encounter with the other.
For three days you work in LaMouseion’s three knowledge boxes and sleep on the artist’s farm. Expect three days of dialogue, discovery and imagination, new insights, reflections and impressions. You come together as a group to claim your own identity. Whatever that may be. The results can be stored in drawings, theatre, text or video and will be presented to a transdisciplinary team of renowned artists and scientists.
Cross fertilisation (transdisciplinary team)
9 July – 11 July (transdisciplinary team)
From 9 to 11 July, a transdisciplinary team comes together at LABIOMISTA. They function as a ‘human library’, a sounding board, consisting of internationally recognised artists and scientists. Your creations will give this transdisciplinary team food for thought, by questioning the topic, by proposing new theses, by provoking them where necessary or useful, by challenging the rules and exploring the boundaries, by thinking critically about the future.
11 July (transdisciplinary team + participants)
On the 11th of July, you meet the transdisciplinary team. They listen, learn, reflect, interpret, connect and replicate, in words and images. Artist Koen Vanmechelen links the insights of each group to a work of art. Through unexpected encounters, “movement” returns in different forms and meanings, from the perspective of science, culture, and society. You engage with the transdisciplinary team and go on a 24h fertilisation and connection tour through Brussels.
Co-creation & vernissage
12 July – 15 July
The 4-day co-creation session takes place in the sanctum of Koen Vanmechelen’s artist studio. In this phase, you consolidate and translate new insights and knowledge into various media and communication forms. Additional inspiration is gained in evening sessions on art, film, neighborhood engagement, etc. Filmmaker Stijn Coninx invites a young filmmaker to join the conversation.
The Co-creation session ends with a private vernissage in which you can present and test your (new) knowledge, ideas, creations and projects to the Unthinkable Experiment alumni, neighbourhood partners and a network of friends and family.
Presentation and activation
October 8
The pen is ultimately in the hand of the new generations. Instead of a thesis, participants create a premises. A first attempt to define new ground rules, systems and basic values for a better society. A chapter for the library of the future (The Library of Collected Knowledge).
In the fall of 2023, participants, partners, transdisciplinary team, and alumni of the previous editions will gather back together for one day at LABIOMISTA. During a festive moment, you will present your work and engage for action.
The Unthinkable Experiment seeks systems and laws for a new, better society through young people. It gives young people a voice and a platform to build together – with all elements of society – in a constructive, critical and creative way the world of tomorrow. A world where we do not lose our faith in the impact we can have on what the future will look like, even if it is unthinkable. Read more about The Unthinkable Experiment on the LABIOMISTA website.
