Why is there not yet a knowledge and activity center on such an important subject as Groningen gas extraction, energy and earthquakes? That question formed the starting point for initiators Thea van der Laan and Joke Scholten for Toukomstproject EPIQ. Thea: “In this interactive center, visitors can go on a journey of discovery, learn through play and watch and listen to stories.”
A place full of edutainment (educational entertainment) around the themes of gas extraction, energy and earthquakes: that is what EPIQ wants to be. A place where you learn, are challenged and gain understanding and compassion for those affected. And in which the importance of being economical on the earth comes to the fore.
Joke: “When I moved from Haarlem to Loppersum four years ago and came into contact with the people here, it was a lot about gas extraction. I was surprised that there was no center on such a big subject. Soon I had ideas about such a center, I started thinking up plans. Something modest with history and stories, but also with art and beautiful initiatives, a shop with local products. And of course preferably in Loppersum.”
I was surprised that there was no center on such a big subject. Soon I had ideas, I started coming up with plans.
Respect
Joke submitted her ideas to Toukomst and the plans became bigger when she was paired with Thea van der Laan. Thea also wanted to realize a center around energy, gas extraction and earthquakes. Thea: “How is it possible that there is no information to be found in one place here in the north, about something so important? We want to turn EPIQ into a kind of NEMO of the north. For people from all over the country, for children and adults. The respect for those affected will become a large and important part of the center. And despite all the misery, it must also become clear that the people of Groningen possess resilience and are proud of Groningen. We aim for the balance between respect and edutainment.”
Joke agrees: “It’s a big item. Such a center is also a piece of recognition for this important theme.”
Everyone is welcome
But what should that place eventually look like? Thea: “We are looking for an old gas extraction site to preserve as heritage. In addition – in collaboration with students and local contractors – there will be a center that is energy-neutral, earthquake-resistant, sustainable and circularly built. A place where we can receive about 100,000 visitors a year. Children on a school trip, students, families, tourists, everyone from the country is welcome.”
EPIQ is all about the entire energy transition. From peat to hydrogen. The issues surrounding the theme, in addition to prosperity. And there is attention for the climate. Thea: “At EPIQ you will find films, stories, images and exhibitions. But you can also step into a beef house to feel a tremor, for example.”
taste
Joke: “The plan is to realize a traveling pop-up after the summer. A look at what the plans are. If you don’t want to wait that long: since a few weeks you can already get a taste, to get acquainted with EPIQ. In the old presbytery of Loppersum.”
With a modest exhibition, EPIQ shows itself to the public for the first time. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between noon and 5 p.m., until July 1, 2023. Thea: “On panels of NonFiction Photo you can see the past and present of gas extraction, captured by five photographers from the North. In the other room you can see EPIQ’s plans. We are pleasantly surprised by the turnout and the response. People are critical, but embrace it. We are even offered materials for the project: beautiful books, a quilt on the earthquake problem, the full report of the parliamentary inquiry. Many visitors also like to share their story. That is beautiful. We want it to be easy to enter the exhibition. And fun: there will be a scavenger hunt for children. The first answers to the questions can be found in the exhibition space, the others can be looked up at home via videos and QR codes.”
Many visitors also like to share their story. That is beautiful. We want it to be easy to enter the exhibition.
Special encounters
Joke: “I hear from some visitors that they sometimes get tired of the theme, but that they do support our initiative. That reassures me. Because we want to create support and for that we also need the inhabitants of this area. Every time I’m there, I have a special encounter. For example, with someone who offers his cooperation from a certain professional background. Or with fellow villagers who tell how the first major earthquake in Huizinge is still etched in their memory. I hope that this exhibition will accelerate the project, but also deepen and broaden it. I really see a task for EPIQ.”
Thea: “Groningen has brought a lot of warmth to the Netherlands. EPIQ highlights the prosperity and the downside, for now and future generations. Groningen is bursting with energy.”
More information can be found at: www.piqgroningen.nl
2023-05-12 10:13:59
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