What is Renewed Energy and how did it originate? | INTERVIEW

Renewed Energy, what do you actually mean by that?

K: Earlier we thought of ‘Groningen in transition’, but ‘Renewed Energy’ seemed a more positive term.
S: We wanted to look at the consequences of natural gas extraction in Groningen from a different perspective. The central question became: How can we move forward? Hence the name Renewed Energy. The consequences of natural gas extraction have made a huge impact on several levels. We wanted, and still want, to show a different picture of Groningen. We want to provide connection and for people to see the beauty of the area again. New energy for Groningen.

K: What particularly inspired me is that there was and is a lot of people looking at Groningen who don’t know the area at all. Groningen has traditionally been a bit of a place on “the outside” of our country, where gas has been extracted in recent decades. This has done a lot to the image of the landscape.
S: The consequences of natural gas extraction have made a huge impact on several levels. We wanted, and still want, to show a different image of Groningen. We want to ensure connection and that people can see the beauty of the area again. New energy for Groningen.

K: In the press you see scaffolding and underpinning, we wanted to show something different. Humor, hope and light-heartedness without trivializing the problem. Groningen is beautiful. Impressive vistas and beautiful forests that few people in the Netherlands know about. With Renewed Energy, we want to show this face of Groningen, which can only be shown by the people who have lived here for years and have found their place here. We do this by connecting people’s stories with the expertise of artists. The result can be seen in our exhibitions.

How are the exhibitions received by the public?

S: The opening of the Groninger Gallery – Portraits from the earthquake area was a very joyous occassion, with many proud portrayed people with their family and friends. It was very nice to see how the different future images of the residents of Groningen were visualized by Alice Wielinga.
K: At (Un)earth, by Awoiska van der Molen and Bart Lunenberg, a conversation ensued about the image of Groningen and whether the exhibition showed what Groningen was really like. I don’t recognize Groningen at all, some people said. The question of what the identity of a landscape exactly is, is very difficult and personal.
S: Renewed Energy is also characterized by the different portrayed futures. The consequences of natural gas extraction affect everyone differently. Whether you are in the middle of it, you hear about it or see images of it. Everyone in Groningen knows someone, or has experienced something themselves. It is a very personal story.
K: Marinke Steenhuis mentioned the term ‘neo-colonial thinking’. Natural gas extraction in Groningen defines the environment, and it is what it is, but in the periphery they are not bothered by it. I think that’s a tricky one, this neocolonial approach to the periphery of a country. All we can do is give it a face: this is the value of this landscape and this is the story of the people who live there.

What do you hope to achieve with Renewed Energy?

K: Giving energy to the region. We want people to become proud of themselves again and be able to respond to The Hague.
S: I think we can add something to the national discussion with Renewed Energy. It’s shocking to read from the final report of the Groningen parliamentary committee on natural gas extraction that for so long they didn’t realize how bad the situation really was. We want to create, together with the residents of Groningen, a different kind of awareness. We want to create a connection, and I think that is also the strength of the collaboration we now have, with BPD Cultuurfonds and Noorderlicht.

Want to know more about Renewed Energy? Then check out the entire program here.