3 Questions to Lies Daenen, Parallel Events Coordinator

Lies has single-handedly coordinated the Parallel Events Programme, and through this occupation has explored the cultural offerings of the region. We ask her three questions, to find out just what the Parallel Events can offer the M9 visitor, what the overall thematic, and link to the concept of M9 is, and how the M9 visitor should make a selection from the 98 projects available!

“What do the parallel events offer?”
The Manifesta 9 Parallel Events give all Manifesta 9 visitors the opportunity to discover the cultural wealth of the region. You would be surprised to see how diverse the offer is in Genk and its surroundings. Renowned institutions of contemporary arts, fashion, design and heritage present important exhibitions at the occasion of Manifesta 9. Different cities and organisations have invited renowned international artists to the region of Limburg. And others have chosen to show you a selection of Limburg based artists. Art schools show furthermore what art education has to offer in Limburg. The young creatives are very well represented, as well as the well-known artists.

“What is the overall thematic, and how do the Parallel Events link to the concept of M9?”
Similar to Manifesta 9 itself, a lot of Manifesta 9 Parallel Events also focus on the theme of the coal mines, the local history and the disappearing industrialisation. The beauty of the Manifesta 9 Parallel Events is: not only do they give a new variation on that same theme, but they also broaden the theme's scope. For example, some projects refer to other and different pieces of heritage, like the gone traditions of the truck drivers who were active in the neighbourhood of the mine complex, or there's the project that centers on a phrase in ancient Dutch and then there's the different way in which we treat our mining heritage on both sides (the Netherlands and Belgium) of the borders - in Dutch Limburg there are very little remains - and the consequences of this heritage on the landscape and the city.

“There are 98 projects - how should the M9 visitor make a selection?”
The visitors may need a little help to find their way through all 98 projects. In the online calender on the Manifesta 9 parallel events website, you can see what projects are opened on the moment you wish to visit. You can furthermore make a selection based on your favourite theme. We have tried to explain each project with a short description. Thanks to the 77 participating organisations and 98 projects the Parallel Events Zuiderlucht newspaper have grown into a vast guide. But it's certainly worth using your time to discover the hidden gems.