The Performance
In progress 2025
In 2024, I was invited to Krimpen aan den IJssel by policy advisor Ellen Jacobs (Culture, Language and Events) as part of the "Wanted Talented Municipalities" initiative. At her request, I conducted research in this municipality into the lack of a vibrant village center. I spoke with a diverse group of Krimpen residents. (Link to report: 'cardio_vision') This resulted in a plan titled "De Voorstelling" (The Performance) in early 2025. Because of this innovative collaboration, Ellen was nominated for "Civil Servant of the Year 2025". I also contributed to the development of the environmental and cultural visions for this municipality.
Together with others, I organize art projects focused on social issues. This approach relies heavily on engaged participants—people like you and me who believe it's important to explore new perspectives for the future. Unique collaborations can then lead to experiments that create new local meaning. In doing so, I strive to connect the past, present, and future.
Residents of Krimpen aan den IJssel want a vibrant village center with terraces, a diverse range of shops, and cultural organizations. However, having something in common with someone goes beyond simply enjoying a drink on a terrace or doing some grocery shopping at the DIRK. While other villages are built around a church or a characteristic square, Krimpen's proposed center is situated around a large parking lot. It feels as if the built-up area of Krimpen behind the dike, which once began as a ribbon village along the rivers, lacks an appealing "face." A human "Heart of Krimpen" needs a face, and vice versa.
The municipality is making future plans for the center, but I learned that it does not own "the village street" [De Crimpenhof shopping center]. The main property owner, a local baker's son, has no intention (yet) of investing in the De Crimpenhof shopping center. An article appeared in the AD newspaper in early 2025 stating that 23% of retail space is vacant, compared to 22% in 2024. In my opinion, it is now up to the municipality to develop a new narrative for the desired village center, one in which different stories can be given a place. Currently, one story dominates – that of the property owner.
"De Voorstelling" (The Performance) is looking for a way out of this impasse. That's why I approached cultural organizations. A project group was formed at the municipality. Local businesses and residents were approached. A common response was, "Come back when the plans are concrete." Therefore, I proposed (temporarily) building an empty plinth on the Raadhuisplein. By making the emptiness on this plinth a central feature, I wanted to work with residents to create the "face" of the village. In the empty office above the DIRK, I proposed organizing an exhibition, focusing on people who are or have been important to the village. In this way, I wanted to infuse the "emptiness" with additional meaning. Unfortunately, the building's owner was uncooperative. So far, I haven't found any partners to collaborate on this project.
In a final attempt, I'd like to spark your imagination. I'm inspired by the remarkable Krimpen native Charlotte (Lotte) Ida Anna Stam-Beese. This architect and urban planner played a key role in the post-war reconstruction period, designing various residential areas in Rotterdam and beyond. From 1963 onwards, she lived at IJsseldijk 284 in a dike house that was renovated to her design. In the 1960s, Lotte designed a second river crossing for Krimpen aan den IJssel. Villages and towns are built together as a mirror of society. She was far ahead of her time. "The ground belongs to all of us" was one of her famous sayings. Lotte passed away in Krimpen aan den IJssel on November 16, 1988.
With the street sign: "Lotte Stam-Beeseplein," I want to pay tribute to her and draw attention to all the other people missing from the village's streetscape today. I also want to open the door to a village square that exists only in the world of our imagination.
Krimpen aan den IJssel is home to 30,000 people, but is the village also being "built by residents"?
Kind regards, Edwin Stolk.
Your (company) name here? Do not hesitate to contact me when you are interested to collaborate!
'The Performance' was mentioned in the following media: more info soon.
'The Performance' follows the concept behind: #theorganisation
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