Space-Out Competition

Find your mat and drift to victory. A public competition to test the outer limits of the zone out.

Lose the thread. Abandon the point. Replace your mental to-do list with a cymbal-playing monkey. This is Space-Out, the competition to see who can do the most nothing.

In a world that glorifies productivity, the event is a gift to us all. South Korean artist Woopsyang first held it in 2014 while she was struggling with burn-out. It was part of her burgeoning Urban Play Development Project, which has been all about developing ways to enjoy life and experiment with art in the city, without living a consumer life. Since then, it’s gone viral while touring punishing work cultures from around the world in Taipei (2017), Rotterdam (2017), Hong Kong (2018), Tokyo (2023) and Hong Kong (2024). Now, we’re challenging Naarm to reach for collective stillness in the centre of the rat race.

Anyone can apply to compete and the rules are simple. Simply sit for 90 minutes and maintain a state of calm. Seventy teams are chosen. Teams can have up to three members. Participants wear attire related to their respective professions, symbolising a small city. You can’t fall asleep, laugh or use technology. A crowd favourite is publicly judged with an artistic score. And the challenger with the steadiest heartrate wins with a technical score. Victors get flown to the next competition to present the trophies. So, you’ll be in the presence of 2024 Hong Kong champion, Denis Kwan Hong-Wang, an educational psychologist who’s capable of deep vacancy.  

There’ll be live sports commentary to keep spectators abreast of (non)developments. But don’t get distract by the spectacle of it. Remember: nothing is happening. Nothing matters. Glory comes to those who go blank.