Completion of the Commoning Merwede research phase
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Perhaps you have heard something about it: artist Merve Bedir has been associated with Merwede for a long time. During that period, Merve Bedir has done research and spoken to many people, listened to their stories and heard what is going on in the neighbourhood. Through all kinds of activities, connections have been made and ideas have emerged. Not art that just falls from the sky, but something that is conceived and created together with residents, entrepreneurs and organisations.
Back to the beginning
The first phase is over. We started with an Artist in Residence period. Artist Merve Bedir stayed in Merwede for a while to do research. That may sound like something for a museum, but it was actually mainly about listening. To people, to places, to what is going on in Merwede. Instead of large gatherings with microphones and long tables, Merve Bedir opted for a different approach. Think of walks, small meetings, creative workshops and conversations over coffee. This created a rich picture of what is going on, literally and figuratively, in the neighborhood.
What now?
We have arrived at a new chapter: making art in public space concrete. No ready-made images, but exploring together how art can mean something for Merwede and the people who visit or live in the surrounding areas. The plan that Merve Bedir presented is called ‘Commoning Merwede’ and revolves around shared ownership. Deciding together what is important, what we want to show with art and how we approach that.
How do we approach it?
We follow this approach for each location:
- What do we have in common at this location?
- We put together a diverse art work group with residents, entrepreneurs, creatives and the municipality.
- We design a process together that suits the location.
- We choose the direction and the artists and the final design together.
Where does it happen?
This area offers great opportunities for art that can really mean something to the neighbourhood, especially if that art comes from the community itself. For example, think of the east-west connection of the Vasco da Gamalaan in Kanaleneiland, via Park Transwijk and Wijkplein Zuid in Merwede, to the Rivierenwijk. What connects these places is the greenery, both literally and figuratively.
In the coming period, Gemene Grond will set up one or more art work groups around this route. In this way, residents, entrepreneurs, cultural initiatives and landowners can think together about art along this connecting line. Plants and nature play an important connecting role in this.
And now?
We are at the beginning of the next phase. Working groups are formed from the relationships that have been built up, and they will think about the art assignments together. This means: forming working groups, making plans, choosing artists and starting. The foundation has been laid. Relationships have been built up, places have been chosen and the realisation is growing that we can only do this together. Making art in public space is not a separate project. It is something that is rooted in the neighbourhood and that requires listening, sharing and making decisions together.
