Participatory exhibition invites citizens to imagine the future around the Einstein Telescope

What could the arrival of the Einstein Telescope mean for people living in the local area and across the wider region? This question will take centre stage at a participatory exhibition on Sunday, 27 September, during the annual Marché de la Transition (transition market) in the centre of Montzen (Municipality of Plombières, Belgium).

Hosted in and around a dedicated tent in the market square, the exhibition focuses not on the telescope itself, but on its potential impact on the surrounding region and its communities. How could local residents, their living environment and the landscape benefit from the project? Which opportunities, questions and concerns deserve further discussion and answers?

Programme

It is not only staff involved in the participation programme from Hasselt University, the University of Liège or the Einstein Telescope EMR itself who are present to discuss this topic or provide explanations.

There will also be work on display by four artists who have drawn inspiration from the Einstein Telescope. For example, photographer Marijke Beckers will talk about the inspiration that led to the creation of an art photography book. Artist Gert Robijns is filming a documentary about the entire project, which captures the dialogue with local residents regarding the Einstein Telescope.

Landscape architect Mike Thomassen of HeusschenCopier Landschapskracht wishes to discuss the approach and ideas for restoring the landscape to a better condition following the construction of the Einstein Telescope.

During the morning, architecture students will be present to showcase and explain the results of their work and designs.

Exploring local ideas and opportunities

For more than a year, the Civic and Policy Design group at Hasselt University has been leading a public participation programme to better understand residents’ perspectives, ideas and concerns regarding the Einstein Telescope. The programme is carried out on behalf of the Einstein Telescope EMR project office and has recently been strengthened by the addition of two experts from the University of Liège.

As part of this dialogue with local communities, students explored connections between the region and the Einstein Telescope during the past year. Their work generated ideas on topics including water management, tourism, the use of materials, and future uses for existing infrastructure. These proposals are displayed throughout the exhibition and serve as starting points for discussions with visitors.

Listening to the universe

Visitors will also be able to listen, on their own mobile phones, to sound artworks inspired by gravitational waves and other ripples in the universe. The pieces were created by students from the Electronic Music Production programme at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, using scientific data provided by KU Leuven.

Continuing the dialogue across the region

The participatory exhibition is intended to travel to other municipalities within the Einstein Telescope search area, creating further opportunities for dialogue with residents and other stakeholders across the region.

Practical information

The Marche de la Transition will take place on Sunday, 27 September, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the centre of Montzen, at Place Communale. Admission is free. At 11:30 a.m., Mayor Michelle Habets and Louise Mazet from the participation team will introduce the exhibition. Throughout the day, visitors will also be invited to join the round-table discussions inside the tent, where they can ask questions and exchange views specifically about the Einstein Telescope.