Art Point

''Our upside-down logo actually says it all: look at art and the world in a different way,'' says Ansjelly. That is one of the missions of Kunstpunt, formerly CBK. And they do a lot for it. From commissioning art in public spaces and encouraging (starting) artists to lending and selling art. From the municipal collection, but also directly from artists' studios. But they also introduce young people to art through education. Making it accessible in any way possible. The indispensable link between the public and art. A hub.

For some people, art may seem like a distant memory. But it isn't. In fact, you can interact with it in all sorts of ways. Looking at it gets you the most. And indeed, you don't even have to really understand it to appreciate it. ''You can also simply like something because of the colours. Or the lines. Everyone reacts to it differently.'' And that is allowed. Because art belongs to and is for all of us. ''Everyone comes into contact with art, even if you are not into it. Just walk around the city and look around you. Art is everywhere.'' Through an art route through the city centre, among other things, Kunstpunt makes visual art accessible and visible. From the Papengang to the Hoekstraat. In the form of a mural, a sculpture or graphic delight. In places where you sometimes don't expect it. For every eye there is something beautiful to see everywhere. Lover or layman, young or old: art touches us all.

And what better place to make art more accessible than public spaces? So beyond the studios and galleries, there is also a lot to see, and every time Ansjelly walks through the city, her gaze is caught by something new. ''Groningen is one of those types of cities that never stands still, always evolving. Facing the future without forgetting the past.'' Her favourite piece of art is one you might not expect so quickly. One you might walk right past. Does the bronze door, also called 'The Portaal', at the beginning of Folkingestraat mean anything to you?

It simply looks like an old door with no space behind it, but it is much more than that. Until 1942, Folkingestraat was the centre of the Jewish neighbourhood, until many of them were deported. ''The door cannot open and has no door handle. An art symbol of the closure of Jewish history in the neighbourhood. It still gives me goosebumps every time I walk past it. Sometimes the context of art is as important as the aesthetic.'' And that's what art can do to you. Make you think. Ask questions. Wonder.

Once she almost moved to Amsterdam once, but nothing tops Groningen for Ansjelly either. ''Walking around there made me homesick for Groningen right away,'' she laughs. Her home, a place where there is something to discover: ''A nice city with everything within reach. A city that sparkles, blossoms and grows. Always developing and with an eye for art and culture.'' She therefore enjoys venturing into the city centre. She starts in Folkingestraat, her favourite spot. Not only because of 'Het Portaal', of course, but especially because of the atmosphere of the pleasant street. ''The varied, artisanal shops always attract me. But also the smells, colours and people.''

At the end, she turns right and crosses the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt. On to the Forum. ''A real addition for the city. The futuristic design has something extra, gives the city allure. After my daughter has picked out a new book in the library, we often enjoy the view upstairs together.'' And of course, the Sugar Garden cannot be missed. A creative breeding ground. ''Many intitiatives in music, food and also art. Very inspiring. These are the places that make you feel special.''