We’ll take you on a tour of Groningen’s creative and artistic hotspots. The creative minds behind these places will be delighted to tell you all about them. Feel free to draw inspiration from them. Kunstpunt, for example, is where northern visual art begins. A hub. An Artistiek beacon. This takes shape, for example, in various art trails, the loan of works by Groningen-based artists, and educational programmes for different target groups. Making art more accessible, with the city as its canvas. Ansjelly van Veen, communications officer, will tell you about Kunstpunt’s role. Why art is by and for everyone, its importance, and where else in Groningen you can indulge your (artistic) passion.
A hub for art
''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.
Benefiting people and the environment
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.
“ ‘Art is all around you’ ”
The city as a canvas
And what better place to make art more accessible than public spaces? So, beyond the studios and galleries, there’s plenty to see. Every time Ansjelly walks through the city, her gaze is caught by something new. “Groningen is the sort of city that never stands still, that’s always evolving. With an eye to the future without forgetting the past.” Her favourite artwork is one you might not immediately expect. One you might well walk right past. Does the bronze door, also known as Portaal, at the start of Folkingestraat ring a bell?
It may simply look like an old door with nothing behind it, but it is much more than that. Until 1942, Folkingestraat was the heart of the Jewish neighbourhood, until many of its residents were deported. ‘The door cannot be opened and has no handle. An artistic symbol for 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 just as important as its aesthetic appeal.’ And that’s what art can do to you. It makes you think. It makes you ask questions. It fills you with wonder.
“ ‘Groningen is a city that never stands still’ ”
Tips from Ansjelly
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.''
“ ‘A place with an appreciation for art and culture’ ”
