THE SPINE

MAQUETTE ACTIVATION

 

Immersive experience

from July 4th to July 7th 2025

OPEN TO EVERY-BODY 18+  

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This summer, a group of invitees is activating The Spine by spending four immersive days experimenting with the maquette, taking shape in the countryside in Belgium. 

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The core intention of this invitation is to feedback the research of The Spine practice, which aims to regenerate the earth and our bodies, before it travels to other lands; hoping to weave an interconnected network of communities working on territory restitution and restoration.

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​The Spine Maquette offers a playful exploration of 9 backbone-like stations—some crafted into the earth, others resting more lightly on the surface. These stations contain devices made from organic and recycled materials, and invite to practice body-scores that entangle the human body with earth, water, air, fire, local medicinal plants and other more than human beings that are in the landscape.

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Acknowledging the geography and history of the territory, The Spine proposes the conditions for our bodies to release memories and for our inner wisdom to resurface. The intention is to free our imagination and reclaim our sensorial abilities that allow us to become more porous to the surrounding ecosystems, nourishing the earth and our presents with visions that can help us transcend binary thinking systems.

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As a way to archive this experience, on the final day at The Spine we craft mother tinctures (natural medicine potions) that contain the healing properties of local plants entangled with our visions. Thus a traditional method for making herbal medicines will be transferred to the invitees. The idea is to collectively think about the future uses of these medicinal artifacts—for example: Could we make water bombs with these medicinal waters, and if so, who would we throw them to?

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PRACTICALITIES

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THE PRACTICE 

Come as you are, no need to do any specific diet prior to joining.

The practice includes body scores with soft movements or breathing exercises, performed while laying down or sitting, with or without the eyes covered. These practices do not involve  touch, nor the ingestion of recreational substances or psychedelic plants.

Specific body practices are facilitated by Elke Van Campenhout and Isabel Burr Raty.

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LANGUAGE

English (though with the help of invitees, translation to Dutch and French is possible).

LODGEMENT
The sleeping arrangements will take place in the countryside house where the garden is located, where Isabel lives with her partner Phil and many garden creatures. There is space to host all invitees inside the house; however, if preferred, we can also set up a tent on the garden terrace next to the house, with direct access to a toilet.
Please keep in mind the experimental spirit of this experience. The house and garden are adapted to make the most of it, so don’t expect anything too luxurious :). Sleeping conditions will be in a collective setting, with no private individual rooms.

FOOD
3 vegetarian meals are provided daily.
If you have allergies, or need gluten free food please let us know.

SCHEDULE
On the first day, we begin at 10am. On the following days, we start early in the morning, with activities continuing  until 10pm, including breaks for lunch and other intervals. The detailed schedule will be provided on the arrival day, but please keep in mind that this will be an intense experience.

WHAT TO BRING?
A set of comfortable clothes that can get dirty, 2 bathing suits, 2 towels, 1 sleeping bag and 1 pillow.
The space is prepared in case of rain, but please bring an umbrella.

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LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
The garden is located in the countryside at Ramillies (1367) with no train or easy bus connection so car transport is provided.

Pick up on the 4th of July at 9am at Esso gas station metro stop Hermann Debroux Brussels & drop off on the 7th of July at 7pm at the same spot.

 

FREE CONTRIBUTION

A free contribution (anything between 5 to max. 45 Euros) for those that is possible, it is very welcome. This contribution helps cover some of the food and house expenses. You can transfer to Isabel’s account or bring cash on the arrival day.

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​INSCRIPTION

We can host a max of 8 invitees.

If you are interested in taking part in this experiment, please send Isabel an email before 18/06 so that we can reserve your spot, so that additional information can be sent to you. 

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QUESTIONS

Have you any questions, email here, or message in whatsapp or signal +32498393502.