Exhibition 'Art of Energy Transition: Future of Groningen'

Free-entry exhibition taking interdisciplinary approaches to Art and Energy

Energy transition is an urgent social issue from local to global, close to daily life. Ahead of the termination of gas extraction in 2024, Groningen has explored renewable and clean energy resources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, as well as hydrogen and nuclear. It is essential to reduce energy consumption, which requires a drastic change in human thoughts and lifestyles.

Art can enrich scientific contexts with aesthetics and add distinctive values to the themes, reflected upon historical and future perspectives on energy. It also interprets diverse environmental topics to raise awareness among wider audiences and illuminates pathways to co-create our sustainable future. The exhibition consists of three parts below:

Zone 1: Hans Haacke, Blue Sail, 1965
Collection FRAC Grand Large — Hauts-de-France
First presentation of Haacke in Groningen, known for ecological art. Arousing a sense of sea and sky, this artwork in a flexible form symbolises the shift from fossil fuels to future green energy.

Zone 2: Cabinet of Curiosities
Scientific objects, images and diagrams from Energy Research Institutes (ESRIG & WOS) and UMG are transformed into art pieces by Minerva artists, utilising two museum vitrines and walls.

Zone 3: Three Energy Tables
High round tables installed by the window encourage dialogues/interactions with fifteen artists from Minerva and audiences. Performances and presentations for four weeks are programmed.

Focus on archives and immaterial practices can be described as ‘energy-efficient’ art production. Photo panels, leaflets and posters are produced with eco-friendly printing by Canon. Transport between Groningen and Dunkirk is performed with sustainable mobility by the municipality.

Supported by: FRAC (Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain) Grand Large — Hauts-de-France, Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate (University of Groningen), Academie Minerva (Hanze), Canon, Forum Groningen/Let’s Gro, Gemeente Groningen. Courtesy: Groninger Museum, University Museum of Groningen.

This exhibition is initiated and curated by Sayoko Matsutani, Pine Valley Contemporary.

Opening event

On November 6 at 2 pm the opening event 'Participation in the Future of Groningen' will take place. Visit the event page for more information.

Parallel programmes

Installation 'Constellation of Art and Energy Transition'
29 September - 19 December 2025, University of Groningen Library (Broerstraat 4)
Travelling exhibition from European Researchers' Night at Forum Groningen (26 September)

Night Projection 'Gilles Conan, Chromosomes'
Collection FRAC Grand Large — Hauts-de-France
Saturday, 8 November 2025, 6-8 pm, Forum Groningen/Let’s Gro (Nieuwe Markt 1)
Supported by Energy Department of Gemeente Groningen

Symposium: 'Art Across Energy, Climate and Sustainability'
Monday, 24 November 2025, 9 am-1pm, House of Connections (Grote Markt 21)