Expedition to Public Outer Space

27 – 29 November 2024, Center Noordung, Vitanje, Slovenia

Outer space is celebrated for its remarkable scientific achievements—from Moon landings and the exploration of distant planets and comets to pioneering deep-space research. Yet, much of today’s activity is dominated by national and commercial interests in limited Earth-Space environment that claim to benefit humanity while excluding structural engagement of civil and public perspectives.

Expedition to Public Outer Space, taking place on November 29th at Center Noordung in Vitanje, Slovenia, will challenge this paradigm by rethinking the role of the public in space initiatives. The event will address the knowledge gaps in space program development and highlight the perspectives that have been overlooked. The program aims to establish the infrastructure needed for marginalised knowledges—such as of art, culture, society, and the humanities—to actively contribute to and shape public involvement in space exploration.

Expedition to Public Outer Space

The Expedition program will feature two workshops: one dedicated to developing the KSEVT Collection, which focuses on physical publications in space-related art, culture, social sciences, and humanities; and another centred on the More-than-Planet Online Library, providing visibility and access to otherwise marginalised forms of space-related knowledge. These workshops will be enriched by discussions between international and Slovenian space and cultural organisations. The day will conclude with a panel discussion and the official opening of the KSEVT Collection in Vitanje.

Prior to the day in Vitanje, the expedition will start with “Roscoff I/O: Miha Godec & Roscosmoe labart exhibitionopening on November 27th at Osmoza in Ljubljana, Slovenia, showcaseing a collaborative project between Slovenian artist Miha Godec and Roscosmoe, a long-term artistic research initiative by More-than-Planet partner Makery.

Expedition is organised by Waag Futurelab and KSEVT in collaboration with More-than-Planet partners, and with support of Center Noordung and Creative Europe.