Electric Garden 2 part workshop

Together with artist Sunjoo Lee, we will participate in a hands-on activity to create microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These cells, primarily made of mud, generate electricity by harnessing the metabolism of bacteria in wet soil. Once made, the cells will need about two weeks to brew, letting the bacteria multiply and make the cells their home. The electricity output from these cells will increase as more and more electrogenic bacteria start to live in them. After this fermentation period, we will gather again to experiment with electronics.

Since the energy produced by the mud cells is small and unstable, we need creativity and technical knowledge for making practical uses of them. Sunjoo will guide us in building the circuits and hardware compatible with this unique energy source, and we will test powering these electronics with the mud cells. We will salvage components from old electronics to make a functioning circuit that harvests the energy coming from the mud and automatically powers electronics when the energy is sufficiently charged.

To conclude the session, we will hold a short discussion to explore the meaning and significance of the mud cells, and share artistic ideas and speculative thinking about an electricity-generating garden. Please bring a pair of working gloves or gardening gloves, and a non-conductive and water-proof container (for example: plastic, glass, ceramic. No metal containers!) If you could bring your own mud from a pond, ditch, lake or river that would be great! If you can’t bring these things, no worries, we have some back up for that 😊

We'd love to see you on both days of the workshop, but if you can only make it for one day there are seperate single day tickets available too!

Tickets for day one or both dates:

https://ccu.stager.co/web/tickets/111502147

Tickets for day two or both dates:

https://ccu.stager.co/web/tickets/111502150

Part one of this workshop is part of the Week van de Circulaire Economie.