Cultural hotspots

This winter, we’re celebrating Groningen’s cultural and artistic hotspots. From striking buildings such as the Groninger Museum and the Forum to artistic events and quirky businesses. The creative minds behind it are keen to tell you all about them and share their own tips for experiencing the city. Feel free to draw inspiration from them. Art for everyone, with the city as our canvas.

Winter Welvaart

This year, WinterWelvaart is once again taking place in the A-kwartier in the city. Smaller, cosier. From theatre on the water to interesting talks and music in de Akerk. And, above all, plenty of fun. Artistiek director Lynn Zwartsenburg brings you up to speed on the festival, the importance of art and culture, and where else in Groningen you can indulge your (artistic) passions.

Steentilstraat

Groningen is brimming with charming, cosy and authentic little streets. But for some of them, you just have to go round the corner. Steentilstraat is a good example of this. Once a backstreet, it’s now a vibrant spot full of energy. Creative talent Emil Srush is a familiar face in the cultural sector. He’ll be happy to tell you a bit about Steentilstraat and where best to go for a concert.

Paul & Albert.

Paul and Albert form the design duo behind Paul & Albert. A studio that creates striking work at the intersection of art and design. They’ll tell you about the beauty of creation and the importance of wonder.

Groninger Museum

The colourful Groninger Museum is just as full of wonder on the inside as it is on the outside. All year round, it features art that moves, inspires and provokes thought. Geertje and Sander from the museum talk about ‘JR: Chronicles’ and the Children’s Biennale, two major exhibitions this winter.

Jonge harten

The city is home to Jonge Harten, a theatre company that organises an annual theatre festival to bring young people and theatre together. This year, it runs from 19 to 27 November, with events ranging from exhibitions at the Stadsschouwburg to the Grote Markt and unique venues across the province. We spoke to theatre maker Karlijn Benthem about the festival and the importance of theatre.

The Forum

One of the city’s creative hubs is the iconic Forum. It is currently hosting the major interactive show ‘Game On’, which explores many years of gaming history. And what about the Forum’s own youth panel, VERS? Afra Rijkhoff talks about the panel, the Forum itself and where in Groningen you can indulge your (artistic) passions, whilst Jos Westra takes you on a tour of ‘Game On’.

Wall House #2

The striking Wall House #2 has stood in the Hoornsemeer neighbourhood of Groningen for twenty years. It is a building that is ingeniously designed both inside and out. Three colourful spaces, each with its own function, are suspended from the strikingly large wall. It provides a venue for artists from Groningen. But you’re also welcome to just pop in. Wall House #2 is a work of art in its own right; the exhibitions inside are an added bonus. We spoke to programme coordinator Gea Schenk.

Kunstpunt

Kunstpunt is the place 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, tells you about Kunstpunt’s role and why art is by and for everyone.