Creative Coding Utrecht and Instituto Cervantes warmly invite you to a special Zoöp Meetup on the 26th of June; an evening dedicated to exploring new ways of connecting with the more-than-human world.

We’ll begin by introducing the Zoöp project: an initiative that explores symbiotic relationships between humans and non-humans and reimagines how we share space and responsibility with all forms of life.

Next, you’re invited to join a plant meditation, a unique collective experience where we’ll slow down and tune in to our surroundings, guided by the living presence of plants. Let yourself be led into a space of reflection and sensory awareness.

Following the meditation, Sunjoo Lee will share stories from the Electric Garden, an experimental living installation at Hof van Cartesius in Utrecht, where plants, water, and soil became part of a self‑powered ecosystem. Discover how gardens can become spaces of exchange and learning between people and plants, and hear about the unique qualities and atmosphere of this special garden.

On this evening, there is a talk by Spanish artist and new artist-in-residence Yolanda Uriz Elizalde. Yolanda’s work merges art, science, and sensory technology to invent new ways of communicating with the plant world. Her installations use sound, scent, and experimental materials to explore how we might establish a deeper dialogue with non-human life. In her talk, Yolanda will open up her artistic process, sharing her research on interspecies communication and the invisible languages that connect us to plants. This event marks the official start of Yolanda’s Utrecht residency, supported by EUNIC Netherlands.

On Friday, the exchange continues with a session focused on collaboration and inspiration between Creative Coding Utrecht, Instituto Cervantes, and Yolanda. We’ll explore the connections between CCU as a Zoöp, Yolanda’s practice of communicating with plants, and the shared values that run through these communities. The Hof van Cartesius (Utrecht’s urban garden and creative workspace) also plays a key role in the residency, offering new possibilities for Yolanda’s multisensory experiments and connections with the living world.

This meetup is for anyone curious about art, ecology, technology, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on our relationship with nature. Experience the start of an inspiring residency, meet artists and makers, and discover how art and plants can reshape the way we sense, care for, and connect with the world around us. To claim your spot, get your free ticket by clicking here!

Supported by Gemeente Utrecht and Stimuleringsfonds