An Afternoon of Stories

In the atmospheric space of Kanaal30, visitors were invited to share their own experiences. Old photographs and slides of the canal’s history sparked lively conversations. One resident shared how his father, years ago, drunkenly rode his bike straight into the water—and how bystanders rescued him, as he couldn’t swim. Others recalled the factories that once stood along the canal, such as the UBO tire factory and the Concrete Factory. A rower offered a unique perspective: how it feels to experience the bridges and straight lines of the canal from the water—a perfect place to gain speed.

Artist-in-residence Merve Bedir remarked:"To me, this water feels like a natural waterscape. When the water flows, it no longer feels like a canal.” Together with visitors, she explored how personal reflections and collective dreams provide new perspectives on the environment.

Through stories, poetry, and music, we discovered together how water influences our daily lives. The underwater films by Bas Koole, shown during the installation, drew a lot of attention and deepened the conversations about the hidden depths of the canal.

Walking at Dusk

In the late afternoon, the group gathered for the Nightwalk, led by Friso Wiersum and Bart Witte of Expodium. Along the canal banks and through the construction site, a diversity of perspectives emerged. Residents of houseboats shared their concerns about the increasing busyness and changes in their environment."The twilight gave the water a magical, mirror-like stillness. As we walked, thoughts arose: how must it have looked when that cyclist fell into the water? What stories lie hidden in the depths of this canal?" The walk became a ritual, a moment to pause and reflect on the changes in the neighborhood and our connection with nature and water.

Curator Carlijn Diesfeldt from Gemene Grond shared:
“We ended up on an undeveloped construction site. It was so special to be able to look into the distance, to see the city lights shining over this expanse, and to leave a wish on the cards Friso and Bart handed out. They asked: Imagine the future. 20 years from now. What memory would you wish for a living being here to have?”

A Special Connection

Carlijn Diesfeldt reflected: “What made this day so special was how freely everyone shared their experiences—from personal memories to hopes for the future. (re)weave Merwede showed how art and storytelling can connect people, and how water, as a silent witness, always plays a role in the history of our city.”

With thanks to: Friso Wiersum, Bart Witte, Bas Koole, and Kanaal30: Belinda Werschkull, Annemieke Leeuwangh, and the Nightwalk participants. This event was made possible with support from: Ondernemerscollectief MerwedeTranswijk & Co, the Creative Industries Fund NL, and the Municipality of Utrecht.

Photography by: Anna Jurna.