Jazz at Jupiter, yoga at sunrise, and an encounter with an alien are just some of the out of this world experiences on offer when 'Our Place in Space' launches this Friday in Derry on Earth Day.
Designed by the award-winning author and artist Oliver Jeffers in collaboration with astrophysicist Professor Stephen Smartt, the 10km, 3D sculpture trail blasts off at Bay Road Park in the city on April 22 and marks the beginning of a meteoric, month-long, schedule of free events.
The Our Place in Space trail weaves its way along the banks of the River Foyle, where each of our solar system's planets has been recreated as a contemporary art sculpture designed by Mr Jeffers.
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The location of the planets will give a sense of distance and a whole new perspective on the surrounding landscape, the world around us and the stars above.
An interactive app will be available to enhance the experience of the trail and explore the planets further.
Led by Derry's Nerve Centre, Our Place in Space is the flagship event of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK in Northern Ireland and one of ten major projects taking place throughout the UK in 2022 – five of them in NI.
As part of the opening weekend, to mark Earth Day (April 22), space scientist and UNBOXED Board member Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will host 'A conversation with Oliver Jeffers and Prof Stephen Smartt', the minds behind Our Place in Space.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, hundreds of space cadets from across Northern Ireland will attempt to smash the current Guinness World Record of 257 for the most people dressed as astronauts.
Oliver Jeffers said he hoped the free event would encourage people to reflect on humanity’s place within the universe
He said: “It feels rather apt that we’re launching this project on Earth Day.
"We hope to encourage people to reflect on humanity’s place within the universe, what it means to exist on Earth, the only place known to harbour life, and how to sustain such life for many generations to come.
"With distance comes perspective - and what happens to our perspective when we look back at our planet from space? Our Place in Space intends to find out.'
Executive producer, David Lewis of the Nerve Centre commented: “This project has been nearly two years in the making and we are so excited and ready to launch in Derry.
It’s not like anything people will have seen before – the trail takes Oliver’s signature illustrative style and combines it with Stephen’s encyclopaedic knowledge of space. It’s a remarkable piece of work that transcends across art, science, technology, and maths.
“There is a full programme of activities planned throughout the period that the sculpture trail will live on the Foyle – many things people may never have tried before. It’s an exciting and very different programme with something for everyone.”
For more information see HERE.
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