Caught in the Act: The Viewer as Performer is a dynamic, experimental and above all, experiential exhibition that gives viewers the chance to become active participants in the artistic process, and engage directly with projects created by 11 Canadian artists and collectives: Mowry Baden, Rebecca Belmore, BGL, Max Dean & Raffaello D’Andrea, Geoffrey Farmer, Massimo Guerrera, Glen Johnson, Rodney LaTourelle, Jennifer Marman & Daniel Borins, Kent Monkman & Jana Sterbak.

First, our multimedia presentation will take you on a journey of discovery into the science of energy. This unforgettable multisensory experience utilizes the latest multimedia technology. A first in Canada ! Then, you will be guided to a dynamic permanent exhibition that takes a fresh look at the energy issues that already dominate global headlines. Finally, a richly evocative exhibition will present the day-to-day lives of the people of Shawinigan.

With a safe transportation system, you will cross the St-Maurice river on board a ponton boat. From the dock, a tramway style bus bring you to the entry of an old waterworks built in 1899. Captivating demonstrations done by certified animators will make you discover newsprint and aluminium fabrication. A breathtaking experience on magnetic livitation will make you know the use of supraconductivity. The visit will continue inside Shawinigan-2 waterworks opened in 1911 and still in production.

The Synergetic Gardens, an integral part of the panorama at la Cité de l'énergie in Shawinigan, has been hailed as an incomparable marvel; visitors to the site, wherever they trod, are ushered along this flowery wonderland by a dazzling display of colours. In itself, the site is a most prodigious splendour indeed. Located on an island in the pollution-free St. Maurice River, the Synergetic Gardens hosts some 100 000 visitors yearly.

La Cité de l'énergie offers its visitors a guided tour of Shawinigan (live commentaries) aboard a vintage tramway-style coach. The streetcar-like bus departs from the main entrance area to the Science Centre at la Cité de l'énergie. First, a brief halt at the renowned falls in Shawinigan with another stopover at the lofty Lambert lookoff high atop the hill in Shawinigan-Sud. This matchless vantage point offers you an unrivalled view of Shawinigan nestled comfortably in the river valley below as well as a breathtaking command of la Cité de l'énergie's soaring Observation Tower dominating the landscape.