The “Orbis Pictus” exhibition, 26–29 June 2009, Brussels

(2009 06 24 00:22)

The exhibition “Orbis Pictus”, funded by the European Union, is promoting imagination and creativity . The exhibition was launched on 18 June by the European Comission and will be presented at the Couleur Café music festival in Brussels on 26-29 June. Michel Durieux, the festival's director, says that the three-day festival exposes people to artists from different cultures, displaying the creative benefits of embracing cultural difference.

Odile Quintin, director-general of the Commission's education and culture department, hopes the exhibition will highlight the importance of creativity and intercultural dialogue as part of a series of events to promote the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.

The innovatrive interactive exhibition conceived by Czech artist Petr Nikl and other 15 artists is included in the cultural programme of the Czech EU Presidency and taken on tour across Europe and the world. Spectators won't see the signs “Don't touch” on the objects on the display, as the whole point is to use one's imagination by playing with the objects. The instruments and objects do not contain computers, recorded music or film loops. The only way to set them in motion is to use human energy and creative imagination.

The exhibition is organised under the patronage of Jàn Figel, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture & Youth.