German-Dutch art project "Freiheitsstrom - Vrijheidsstroom" takes shape

A cross-border art project is currently being realised in Bocholt and the Dutch municipality of Doetinchem under the title "Stream of Freedom - Vrijheidsstroom". German and Dutch artists have now met for a "Get-together" in the GrenzBlickAtelier Bocholt-Suderwick. Eight German-Dutch "artist tandems" are involved in this project.

The action is embedded in the commemorative culture of "80 years of peace and freedom".

The art project "Freiheitsstrom - Vrijheidsstroom" will be realised outdoors. The four sites for the sculptures are located on the interconnected waterways of the Bocholter Aa and the Oude Ijssel, which flows through Doetinchem. The city of Bocholt and the Gemeente Doetinchem, together with the project partners Stadtmuseum Bocholt and Stadsmuseum Doetinchem, are the initiators of the art project, which will take place in 2025.

Tips and information for artists

The most recent exchange was about the German and Dutch artists getting to know each other personally. They also received important information from curator Verena Winter about the structure of the exhibition, the realisation of the artworks in the middle of the exhibition period and the vernissage and finissage.

Support from the Makerspace and the Akademie des Handwerks

Corinna Möllmann, the contact person for voluntary work at the Akademie des Handwerks Schloss Raesfeld, was present at the current meeting. Here, artists who are facing technical challenges in the realisation of their art idea can get expert advice. Katja Weiser from Makerspace Bocholt and Handwerksmuseum Bocholt also offered her support on craft issues. The artworks have to be attached to a 30 centimetre thick tube. This forms the central base for mounting the works.

Funding from the EUREGIO

"The get-together was an important and valuable meeting with important questions and answers", summarised Verena Winter, curator of the cross-border art project "Freiheitsstrom". "The atmosphere was good, and at least one artist from each of the eight artist tandems was present." The art project will be a close, mutually stimulating collaboration between local artistic networks in the Bocholt-Doetinchem border region, artists who have found a home here and artists who feel closely connected to this region". It is financially supported by the European Union and the Interreg partners as part of the Germany-Netherlands Interreg programme.