The Performance
2025
KRIMPEN AAN DEN IJSSEL - In this municipality I was invited in 2024 by policy advisor Ellen Jacobs (Culture, Language and Events). This collaboration came about following an "open call" within the framework of the initiative "Wanted Talented Municipalities". At the request of this municipality, I conducted a research into the lack of a vibrant village centre.
With a diverse group of residents I held conversations. This resulted in a plan titled "De Voorstelling" ('The Performance') in early 2025. I also contributed to the development of the environmental and cultural visions for this municipality. Because of this special collaboration, Ellen Jacobs was nominated for "Civil Servant of the Year 2025".
Residents of this municipality want a vibrant village centre 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 centre is situated around a large parking lot. It feels as if the built-up area 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 centre since 2006, but I learned that it does not own "the village street" [De Crimpenhof shopping centre]. The main property owner, a local baker's son, has no intention (yet) of investing in the De Crimpenhof shopping centre. 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 strong narrative for the desired village centre. A narrative in which different (individual) stories can be given a place. Currently, only one story dominates – that of the property owner.
"Perhaps it's time in the municipality of Krimpen aan den IJssel to put Aat van Herk, a native of Krimpen and the largest real estate owner in the village street, on a pedestal?" quote from column: Searching for a 'Heart of Krimpen'
'The Performance' as a cultural concept was looking for a way out of this impasse. However, I don't start anything alone in this "playing field", so I went to local cultural organizations. A project group was formed at the municipality. Local businesses and residents were approached. While I wanted to make plans together, a common reaction was, "come back when your plans are clear." Therefore, I made a proposal with skeches to built (temporarily) an empty plinth on the parking lot of the Raadhuisplein. By making the emptiness on this plinth a central feature, I wanted to start a dialogue about about the missing "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 above mentioned owner did not allow me to use the empty office building. I found insufficient support in the village to realise this artistic plan in 2025.
LOTTE STAM BEESESQUARE - In my practice, I strive to connect the past, present, and future. My contribution to the "Heart of Krimpen" project was appreciated behind the scenes by the municipality. Yet, I also wanted to make an outdoor contribution. I found out that the remarkable Charlotte (Lotte) Ida Anna Stam-Beese lived here. I managed to convince the municipality to pay tribute to her, with the 'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare' as a collaborative artwork.
A single street sign transforms the entire centre into a collaborative work of art. For those who realize this, it's unprecedented. The presentation of the 'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare' in Krimpen aan den IJssel makes it possible to think the future of the village centre together. Everyone who uses this space becomes a participant in the artwork. With our actions, we give meaning to the environment. When we park our cars here, or not, we shape the future. When we use the square differently -- we build the centre of tomorrow.
"It can be an invitation for residents to take initiative. Perhaps they'll think: if we bring our own garden chair, we can create our own patio here", quote from Magazine De Klinker: How does Krimpen get a vibrant heart?"
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: Magazine De Klinker.
'The Performance' follows the concept behind: #theorganisation
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