Groningen deserves full attention: BPD Cultuurfonds and Noorderlicht launch four-year cultural project
Groningen deserves full attention. For years now, the consequences of natural gas extraction have had a major impact on the daily lives of the people of Groningen. BPD Cultuurfonds and Noorderlicht therefore want to establish a cultural connection with this issue, and in collaboration with artists, local people, researchers, cultural and media partners develop a new perspective on human beings and the landscape. As of today, they are embarking on a multi-year collaboration (2021-2024) on the issues caused by natural gas extraction in Groningen. For example, the internationally renowned photographer and visual artist Awoiska van der Molen is working with artist Bart Lunenburg on a project about nature and landscape in Groningen. Results of which can already be seen this year, in the first instance during the Noorderlicht International Photography Festival 2021. Writer and journalist Auke Hulst is writing an alternative history of the area around Slochteren. Other projects are currently in preparation.
Groningen in transition
With art and culture as a point of departure, the aim of the project is to increase public appreciation for the region and strengthen its valuable distinctiveness. Relevant themes such as housing, climate change, energy transition and agriculture are on the agenda. Groningen’s role as an exploited territory is investigated (the notion of ‘colonial thinking’). The perspective of local people plays an important role in the project and they are actively involved through blogs, social media, local newspapers and meetings. In addition to artists, there will be collaborations with historical societies, authors, researchers, cultural and media partners and other stakeholders.
“The board of BPD Cultuurfonds aims in this way, in consultation with Groningen and its residents, to make a positive contribution and inspire other parties to invest in this part of the Netherlands. The uniqueness of this area deserves our continued appreciation and attention.” – Mirjam van ’t Veld, chairman of the board BPD Cultuurfonds.
Programme
The public programme focuses on the present, the past and the future. The commissions provided to artists give them ample opportunity to respond to current events, such as the parliamentary inquiry into the extraction of natural gas in Groningen.
“Every director in the arts recognises it: the raffle of subsidy requests, which puts great pressure on the organisation and its core business – making beautiful and relevant exhibitions. The BPD Cultuurfonds approached us from its own social commitment and asked us about the possibilities we saw. This approach is very refreshing and, as far as I am concerned, an example for other large private funds. The approach of BPD Cultuurfonds creates an equal relationship in which there is real cooperation, with respect for each other’s position and independence. I am greatly looking forward to the coming years, in which we have the space to develop special projects that will be meaningful for the residents of our region and far beyond.” Kees van der Meiden, director Noorderlicht.
Artists
The theme of the northern region is placed in a national, international and historical context. For 2021, photographer and visual artist Awoiska van der Molen (who grew up in Groningen) is developing an artistic interpretation of nature and landscape in the province of Groningen. She is collaborating with artist Bart Lunenburg, who is focusing on themes such as architecture and urban development. Writer and journalist Auke Hulst, known for his book Kinderen van het ruige land, is writing an alternative history of the area around Slochteren. Artists Olivia D’Cruz (India) and Marina Sulima (Moldova) will present an international perspective on gas extraction. Using a mix of film, photography and sculpture, they will create three visual stories revolving around mineral extraction.
More information
The first results of the collaboration can be seen during the Noorderlicht Festival 2021. ‘The Makeable Mind’ runs from 7 August 2021 at various locations in Groningen and Friesland. More about the festival.
