Become the voice of your generation with the Unthinkable Experiment
The rapidly changing structures of our society are almost impossible to keep up with. After the corona year in which the world stood still, everyone is left somewhat confused. What to do next? What to do next? Living together has taken on a different meaning, our thinking is different and we all long for positive developments for the future. And who better than the youth, also known as the leaders of tomorrow, to start reflecting on that future?
With the Unthinkable Experiment, artist Koen Vanmechelen, ULB and VUB are joining forces. 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.
Do you want to participate in this super interesting experiment and reflect on your future together with other young people in a unique setting? Then take a look at the website, surprise us in your application with your motivation and maybe we will see you soon in the beautiful nature of LABIOMISTA!
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.
July 9-11 (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.
July 11 (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
July 12-15
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.
Pythia Élodie Ouédraogo
The Pythia of chapter Movement is Élodie Ouédraogo, sprinter and Olympic gold medalist and creative and co-founder of the activewear fashionlabel Unrun4254.
"For me, movement was for a long time inextricably and solely linked to sport. As an elite athlete, I learned to perfect movement, because every detail counts to achieve a certain performance. To run that one race in which everything is perfect. Very repetitive, almost maniacal, I was into movement. For me, movement was linked to pushing limits, to pain, to winning or losing. Today, movement is still at the centre. No longer to achieve great sports performances, but for the mental strength I gain from it. Whereas that mental resilience used to support movement, today I use movement to stimulate the mind. Movement serves to brood, to think, to seek and push my creative limit. I am therefore very curious about the participants' interpretation."
Vacancy
You...
- Like an original challenge
- Are a real thinker and like to occupy yourself with the future of our society
- Are motivated to work with a team and to listen to the ideas of others
What's in it for me?
- You get to know a lot of interesting peers
- You will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas with others in a wonderful environment
- You will help build the future of your generation!
Contact details
Projectleader: Ian Komac
E-mail: Ian.Komac@vub.be
*As an Urban Engaged University, we call upon our VUB community to help build a better world through social engagement. On the "The World Needs You" platform, the VUB collects socially meaningful projects on which students, staff, alumni and sympathisers can collaborate. These projects do not represent the university. The initiatives and communication are the responsibility of the project organisers and do not represent the university's position.