How long does The Unthinkable Experiment last?
The Unthinkable Experiment is made up of two sessions and it is expected that you participate in both sessions. The first session is 3 days and the second session is 10 days, so in total the experiment lasts 13 days. We will not be able to provide accommodation between the first and second sessions. If you are travelling to Belgium, we recommend you apply for the last time slot.
I’m not living in Belgium, what if I apply for the first session from 28/06 till 30/06?
You will need to find your own accommodation between the first and the second session which starts on the fifth of July.
What are we expected to do?
TUE’s primary goal is to reflect profoundly on how we can develop sustainable ecosystems for the future. This year’s chapter: ‘Future Garden’ is particularly relevant and topical. Participants are invited to think about cultivating the future, sustainably, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of our shared needs (human and non-human) for food, farming, and biodiversity.
All project partners share the common goal of giving young people a voice in the major debates through personal development, encounters and non-conventional learning experiences - in addition to traditional, academic development.
Where will we sleep?
Please note that these will not be luxury accommodations:
- In the first session, you will sleep in tents at the farm in Meeuwen. There are many animals present on the farm, so let us know if you have any allergies.
- In Brussels, you’ll sleep in a hostel.
- In Watou you’ll sleep at the Art Festival.
- In the second session you’ll sleep in tents at the community centre of Zwartberg, Genk.
Do I need to bring anything?
We provide the space and will set up individual sleeping tents. But, please bring your own sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow, towels, and toiletries. If you need any help sourcing camping materials let us know as soon as possible and we will try to find a solution together. If you want to express yourself through music or art, please remember to bring your own instruments and tools.
Do I receive a certificate after the project?
You will get a participation certificate, but this does not equate to a degree.
What if I have dietary preferences?
Dinner is at the farm, or the community centre of Zwartberg, Lunch will usually be at the studio. We provide food and/or ingredients for you to cook together. If there are any specific dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies, make sure to let us know and we will accommodate accordingly.
Will there be pictures taken of me?
Yes, for documentation and communication purposes. If you do not want your picture taken, let us know and we take it into account.
What do we want to achieve?
The ultimate goal of TUE is to explore how we can make the unthinkable thinkable. All steps of the project come together with this same goal: discovering how to keep the world liveable for all species. To this purpose, TUE brings together a diverse group of young people with a transdisciplinary, intercultural team of artists, scientists and decision-makers to reflect profoundly on how we can develop sustainable inclusive ecosystems for the future. The results are documented and presented to academics and decision-makers. Together, we explore how new insights and ideas can be translated into tangible actions.