Genk’s ‘Now or Never’: Art and solar energy unite

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: VRT NWS

Genk (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In Waterschei, Genk, the “Now or Never” artwork features solar panels that produce renewable energy. Created by local artists and LUCA School of Arts, it promotes sustainability. Alderman Toon Vandeurzen aims for the city to be energy-efficient, blending art with green energy initiatives.

The artwork “Now or Never” in Waterschei is a great mix of art and sustainability. Made by local artists and residents, it has a big wall of solar panels. It has been said that this design is not only beautiful but also helps the neighborhood by using sunlight to create renewable energy, encouraging a sustainable way of living. They mentioned that the story behind “Now or Never” connects the past, present, and future, making it interesting for everyone who sees it. The artwork likely includes symbols or images that reflect the area’s history, current challenges, and future hopes, while also producing clean energy. 

How is Genk’s “Now or Never” artwork merging art and renewable energy?

Toon Vandeurzen, the Alderman for Sustainability, wants to make Waterschei a place that creates more energy than it uses. His plan involves a creative project that combines art with renewable energy. The main idea is to use solar panels as part of a unique artwork that represents both the past and the future. It has been said that this not only makes the area look nicer but also helps with sustainability goals. The solar panels will power the community center, showing how art can support green energy. This project aims to make Waterschei more energy-efficient and sets a good example of how creativity can help the environment.

Artists from LUCA School of Arts teamed up with Zwiep and volunteers from De Singel to create artwork for the solar panels. They explored old photos, gathered new artwork, and used Artificial Intelligence to make future images, which were printed on the panels. They also set up a water demo site showing how to collect and use rainwater, like rain barrels and wells. This project encourages Genk residents to think about rainwater differently and helps with problems like drought and flooding. Flemish Minister Zuhal Demir says it’s important to manage water better for the future, especially during dry times.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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