Minett Trail: a trail filled with cultural projects!

In the framework of Esch2022, the Minett Trail, which connects the 11 Luxembourg municipalities of the ProSud syndicate and thus the Luxembourg part of the Esch2022 territory, is filled with exciting cultural projects. Some of these projects are also taking place on the territory of the CCPHVA.

Calling all hikers and nature lovers: the signposting of the Minett Trail, a hiking train across the 11 Pro-Sud municipalities, has begun. This exceptional 90-kilometer trail, developed by the Office Régional du Tourisme Sud (ORT Sud) in collaboration with Minett UNESCO Biosphere and with the support of the Ministry of the Economy – General Directorate of Tourism, will connect the emblematic tourist spots of the Minett region.

Crossing three national trails that have been in operation since the late 1930s – Sentier du Sud 1 (Engl. Path of the South 1) (from Budersberg to Polvermillen), Sentier du Sud 2 (Engl. Path of the South 2) (from Rodange to Hellange) and Sentier des mineurs (Engl. Path of the miners) (circular route departing from Lamadeleine) – the Minett-Trail will open up new routes.

It will run through several natural reserves in the Minette region, which have been recognized as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in October 2020, and will allow hikers of all ages to discover the South of Luxembourg in a unique way. More specifically, it will link several open-cast iron mines (for instance the ‘Prënzebierg – Giele Botter’), the Fond-de-Gras and the ‘Haard-Hesselsbierg-Staebierg’ nature reserve to Dudelange, as well as the new urban district of Belval, the city centres of Pétange and Dudelange, forest, etc.

Within the framework of Esch2022, an eclectic cultural programme is offered along the Minett Trail
Numerous cultural projects from the Esch2022 programme take place right on the Minett Trail: these multi-disciplinary projects reveal the beauty of the sites along the way and allow people to become familiar with the places, through the prism of the various artistic offers: sound trails, storytelling walks, installations, etc.

The first major project is “Walk on the Minett Trail“, which led to the construction of Pro-Sud lodges on the Minett Trail as a result of an architectural competition organised by the OAI. The entire competition process was followed and documented (photos, films, etc.) for a publication and exhibition outside Fondouq Hall.

Dates: until 30 October
Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday 2pm – 7pm
Monday & Tuesday closed
Location: In the Fondouq Hall, near the main entrance & outside
Route de Thionville L-3512 Dudelange

Some projects are divided into multiple sub-projects, such as the “Loop” project, led by the municipality of Sanem, which takes place all year round, with major interventions from 22 June to 21 July 2022, on the pedestrian path throughout the whole municipality regrouping 4 villages, and in Esch-Alzette. On this route you will find the Source Bel-Val Pavilion, a permanent structure that will live on even after Esch2022 is over. This pavilion was designed by Laura Mannelli and BeBunch to fulfil educational purposes, telling the forgotten history of the Bel-Val Spring and to rediscover it through an audio story and an augmented reality experience. This pavilion will be a key element of the programme of Sanem and will also be a place to rest and eat.

Dates: 18 projects, some of which are ongoing, until 21 July 2022
Hours: multiple
Location: Belvaux, Ehlerange, Sanem, Soleuvre and Esch-Belval
Link to the project: https://www.loop22.lu/projets
Location: loop – down the hills, across the land (loop22.lu)

Different sound routes
The project “Walking, Listening and Recomposing Everyday Sounds of Esch”, carried out by urbanidentity Zürich (commissioned by the Administration of the Environment), offers three routes in Esch-Alzette selected by the urban planner Trond Maag and the sound architect Andres Bosshard. These sound walks allow the inhabitants and visitors of Esch2022 to discover the acoustic environments of the city. The collaborative context of the walk brings together actors involved in city building and environmental design.
Dates: open to the public, every day
Hours: 24/7
Locations: Esch-Alzette, 3 routes

Download maps and routes: https://urbanidentity.info/soundexperienceesch/

“Wou d’Uelzecht” is an immersive in situ sound walk that allows you to explore the city centre of Esch-Alzette and its usually hidden river. This sound walk was created by the composer Catherine Kontz and the author Sarah Grange, in partnership with the NAC, United Instruments of Lucilin and the Water Administration, accompanied by a specially commissioned map by the artist Ben Carter. Following the course of the Alzette (about 3 km), a free, downloadable 360° binaural audio experience transforms the route into a theatrical setting combining pre-recorded music, sound collages and it prompts to participate in small performances. Participants use their own mp3 player, smartphone or tablet to listen to the material with headphones at 15 locations called “Listening Stations”. The walk is free and suitable for everyone and lasts about 1.5 hours. The route is suitable for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs. The route also includes a short free train ride from Audun-Le-Tiche to Esch-Alzette.

Dates: accessible 24/7, can be done on foot or by train.
Location: from Audun-le-Tiche to Esch-Alzette and back, along the Alzette.
Sound route: http://www.catherinekontz.com/wouduelzecht/
Link to download the app: Sound routes with the GOH application – (Re)discover differently (goh-app.com)
Link to listen to the audiowalks: http://www.catherinekontz.com/wouduelzecht/

The “Nightsongs” project implemented by Independent Little Lies – ILL proposes, from April 2022 to January 2023, a nocturnal sound tour that is geolocated via a mobile application, in Esch-Alzette and on the territory of the CCPHVA. For more than 100 years, the steel industry has been part of the visual and acoustic landscape of the town of Esch-Alzette and the Luxembourg and Lorraine mining basin. A sound nuisance for some, the soundtrack of a part of their lives for others, this song of the machines, composed of the whistling and wailing of the overhead cranes and the roar of the metal devices in operation, fills the night with its melancholic, sometimes threatening and always subtle presence.

The ‘Nightsongs’ project uses this nocturnal soundscape as the basis and raw material for a series of electronic compositions devoted to the subject of night and the region’s steel history. The musical compositions, produced by electronic musician Samuel Reinard (Ryvage) or in collaboration with Luxembourgish (Them Lights, Pol Belardi, Sun Glitters…) and European musicians and composers, will be broadcast as part of a geo-localised nocturnal sound tour via mobile application in Belval, an immersive sound installation at the Bridderhaus and a live concert at the Kulturfabrik.

Dates: open to the public, every evening
Hours: only at night
Location: Esch-Belval
Link to download the app: GOH sound trails – (Re)discover differently (goh-app.com)
(((Link to Esch2022 website: https://esch2022.lu/fr/cultural-agenda/?project_number=530)))

The project “In the field, the sound journey“, supported by Les Ensembles 2.2, includes six sound journeys published on the application and multimedia performances related to the territory project, in Audun-le-Tiche, Esch-Belval, La Sauvage, Schifflange, Thil and Villerupt. “In the field” is a series of literary audio episodes, created by several artists under the artistic direction of Gaëtan Gromer and the author Iuvan for the literary part. These episodes evolve according to the listener’s wanderings. Each episode is produced by a different duo of artists, an author and a composer who transpose real elements of the field into a fictional context: transmigrations between animals and humans, exploration of the seabed in a submerged city, body and steel poetry, space exploration, investigations and espionage, etc. These artistic approaches converge around the same theme: that of borders.  This sound content is available on the GOH mobile application which uses geolocation and makes “in the field” an interactive experience. Indeed, the stories evolve according to the choices made by the listener, who thus becomes a protagonist in his own right.

supported by Les Ensembles 2.2, includes six sound journeys published on the app and multimedia performances related to the territory project, in Audun-le-Tiche, Esch-Belval, Lasauvage, Schifflange, Thil and Villerupt.

“In the field” is a series of literary audio episodes, created by several artists under the artistic direction of Gaëtan Gromer and the author Iuvan who is responsible for the literary part. These episodes evolve according to the listener’s wanderings. Each episode is produced by a different duo of artists, an author and a composer who transpose real life elements into a fictional context: transmigrations between animals and humans, exploration of the seabed in a sunken city, poetry about body expression and steel, space exploration, investigations and espionage, etc. These artistic approaches converge around the same theme: borders. This sound content is available on the GOH mobile application which uses geolocation and makes “In the field” an interactive experience. Indeed, the stories evolve according to the choices made by the listener, who thus becomes a protagonist.

Unusual projects

The “Acoustic Picnics” project, supported by the municipality of Dudelange, offers about thirty cultural events from 2 to 28 August 2022, on the Haard in Dudelange: concerts, theatre, conferences, performances… Deckchairs, blankets and LED torches will be made available to the participants to enjoy these “Acoustic Picnics” in full comfort.

Dates: 2 to 28 August 2022
Hours: multiple
Location: Haard Nature Reserve
Link to the project: DUDELANGE2022 “Acoustic Picnics”

“Desire Lines”
Some projects are spread over several months and several locations: for example, “Desire Lines”, led by the collective Ampersand Variations a.s.b.l. (Claire Thill), combines audiowalk, performance, art and music in Esch (Belval, Gaalgebierg), Differdange, Dudelange and Kayl from March to September 2022. This project, mixing research and performance, takes a look at the choices we make with our feet. It explores how landscape and architecture, and the paths that connect them, feed our imagination and help us define ourselves in a constantly changing world. The paths of exploration are  called ‘desire lines’ in cartography and urban planning.

Dates: from the end of July 2022
Hours: accessible 24/7
Location: Esch-Alzette, Dudelange, Lasauvage
Link to download the app / audiowalks

Various art interventions and installations
There are other free walks along the Minett Trail that are combined with multidisciplinary artistic interventions, such as the “Landscapes” project supported by the municipalities of Kayl and Rumelange. A real open-air museum, the “Landscapes” project invites us to rediscover our past, to appreciate the present moment and to project ourselves into the future, within the “Léiffrächen” and “Hutbierg” nature reserves.  From August to October 2022, works of art and installations will be exhibited on the Minett Trail between Kayl and Rumelange. On the weekends of 6 and 7 August and 20 and 21 August, art interventions will take place on the Minett Trail between Kayl and Rumelange.  Link to the project website: [E22] Landscapes – www.schungfabrik.lu

“L’heure Bleue” project, led by Sergio Carvalho & Dimitri Mallet (“Cooperative for Research and Art”, also known as “COOPRA”) and carried out throughout the year 2022 in the “Ellergronn” nature reserve in Esch-Alzette, combines art, design, architecture and artistic installation. “L’heure bleue” (2022) is an architectural installation in the middle of nature, reminiscent of the museum’s “white box”. It takes up the principle of the eponymous phenomenon: “In fact, it’s not an hour, it’s a minute. Just before dawn, when the sky is electric blue, there is a minute of silence. So, the exhibition room is empty and illuminated with white light. When a visitor is silent for a minute, the room turns blue. All that remains of the mimicry of nature is the poetry of color, a certain sense of silence, the intrinsic contemplation of emotions. A platform, an in-situ device near this microarchitecture, offers the walker a space dedicated to “experiencing” the real phenomenon every morning. Happenings will be organised there offering the public the experience of the blue hour on selected mornings.

Dates: the installation is open to the public all year round, every day.
Hours: 8am to 5pm.
Location: Ellergronn Nature and Forest Centre, Esch-Alzette

The project “Spieglein Spieglein – miroir miroir“ by Jessica Theis is a participatory touring exhibition (interactive map). It is a photographic-mirror installation that takes shape in telephone boxes and booths. It is participatory because Jessica Theis invites the viewer to photograph themselves in dialogue with the installation and to share this photo on social networks. These photographs will then become part of the final exhibition. The effect of ubiquity is unique.

1. Temporary installations:
   Dates: the installation from 1 June to 31 August 2022
   Hours: 24/7
   Location: Audun-le-Tiche, Rédange, Russange and Schifflange
   Dates: installation from 1 September to 30 November 2022
   Hours: 24/7
   Location: Audun-le-Tiche, Differdange, Villerupt and Thil
   Discipline: Photography
   Type of event: Installation in a public space
2. The exhibition:
   Dates: from 8 December 2022, end date to be confirmed.
   Hours: to be confirmed
   Location: Espace H2O in Differdange.
   Discipline: Photography
   Type of event: Exhibition

Location: Interactive map, the map evolves according to the location of the boxes.

An exceptional site to discover in Rumelange

The “Spektrum” project supported by the town of Rumelange is built around an emblematic location: the Albert Hames site. It was acquired by the municipality and consists of all the houses and the workshop of the late famous sculptor. Basically designed to serve as a tourist accommodation all year round, the future Albert Hames site will be characterised by a unique multifunctional approach, both in terms of the layout of the space and the programme of the site, and even the experience offered.

1. Artist residencies open to the public
   Dates: June and July 2022
   Location: Pop-up Spektrum in Rumelange.
   Discipline: Arts & new technologies
   Type of event: three XR artists’ residencies that will offer participative activities and workshops to anyone interested
2. The opening of the Albert Hames site
   Dates : Opening of the new Spektrum space in November 2022
   Location: Spektrum in Rumelange.
   Link to the project website: https://spektrum.lu

Locations:
Pop-up Spektrum: 4, place Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-3710 Rumelange
Spektrum: 14-16A, rue de la Bruyère, L-3714 Rumelange (location in the file with number 368)

Local legends revisited

The project “E roude Fuedem duerch de roude Buedem“, implemented by MASKéNADA, will take place from April to October 2022 in various locations: Bettembourg, Differdange, Dudelange, Esch, Mondercange and Sanem. The project is based on local legends from the “Minett” region, remixed by a group of multidisciplinary artists. These stories will be shared in 6 municipalities through different artistic and performative walks. During the walk, the spectators are invited to revisit the stories told from a contemporary point of view, questioning, for example, the role of the women in these stories today, etc.

Sound tours:
Esch-Alzette: From sëlwer-roude Rack to the Ellergronn nature centre and forest
Dates: already accessible to the public every day
Hours: accessible 24/7

Dudelange: Malleus Maleficarum 2.2
Dates: open to the public every day from 2 August 2022
Hours: accessible 24/7
Type of event : Legenden-Parcour / Audiowalk
Link to download the app :

App name: “Roude Fuedem”
Download: Google Play / App Store

Performances:
Nuetsgejäiz an Bëschgepëspers
Dates : 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 27 and 28 May 2022
Discipline / Type of event: Theater-Trëppeltour
Starting point; St Willibrord’s Chapel, Abweiler
Nuetsgejäiz & Bëschgepëspers – MASKéNADA

Déi rout Drëps – Wat kucks du?
Dates: 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 July 2022
Discipline / Type of event: Theater-Trëppeltour
Starting point; Zolwerknapp, Solothurn
Déi rout Drëps – Wat kucks du? – MASKéNADA

Malleus Maleficarum 2.2
Dates: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 August 2022
Discipline / Type of event : Lauschter-Trëppeltour

Starting point; Opderschmelz Cultural Centre, Dudelange
Malleus Maleficarum 2.2 – MASKéNADA

Ouni Kapp
Dates: 10 and 11 September 2022
Discipline / Type of event: Lecture-Performance
Starting point; to be defined, in Mondercange
OUNI KAPP – MASKéNADA

Zowaasch
Dates : 15 and 16 October 2022
Discipline / Type of event: Theater-Trëppeltour
Starting point; Near the church of Lasauvage
ZOWAASCH – MASKéNADA

Discipline: Multidisciplinary / Heritage
Type of event : Theatre / Performance / Legenden-Parcour
Link to the website of the promoter: E ROUDE FUEDEM DUERCH DE ROUDE BUEDEM – MASKéNADA

A mysterious radio
The (((DCLR-76))) – High Frequency Sonification project by Laura Mannelli will be open to the public in autumn 2022 in Rumelange. Have you heard about the mysterious CDLR-76 zone in Rumelange? The CDLR-76 zone is the scene of strange sound manifestations on an outdoor site. It is reminiscent of a phenomenon that has been much talked about and is still unexplained to this day: the enigmatic Russian radio UBV-76. A mysterious radio that emits sound signals from an unknown transmitter. A similar phenomenon has been observed on a former mining site in the commune of Rumelange. It is now known as the CDLR-76 zone. C D L R stands for Cedric, Damiano, Laura and Ruth, who were the first to observe the phenomenon during a walk. The number 76 refers to the Russian radio.

Dates: open to the public from September 2022
Hours: to be defined 
Place: Rumelange