What exactly does “String Theory” mean?

An expected 70 artists and community groups will each contribute their interpretations in a collaborative art installation opening this week at the Lawrence Arts Center.

“String Theory 13” opens Friday with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. It runs through June 28.

The exhibit, curated by Margaret Rose and Diana Dunkley, invited participants to create “strings” inspired by the broad theme of String Theory. Most of the resulting “strings” will hang from a grid attached to the ceiling, allowing viewers to talk through the space and see each up close.

To kick off Friday’s reception at 7 p.m., Steven Ramberg and Karl Ramberg will perform “String of Words: A Song in Two Voices,” featuring a computer-generated voice and an electronic hedge log. At 7:30 p.m. exhibit curators will lead a short gallery talk.

Other planned performances are scheduled for the following dates:

May 31 (Final Fridays): Steven Ramberg at 6:30 p.m. and “Ballmaton” — Paul Veerkamp’s interactive “String Theory 13” contribution — from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

June 28 (closing reception): “Strings and Things — Guesswork!” — an audience participation performance involving musical instruments — by Ric Averill at 7 p.m.

“Trysting Hero,” a book of the illustrations in Sandy Craig McKenzie’s “string,” will be on sale for $20 at the Arts Center’s front desk for the duration of the exhibit.