21-24 May 2009: ArtTour in Wittevrouweveld

For those of you who love art, listen carefully. From Thursday, May 21 till Sunday, May 24, Maastricht will host the 10th edition of the ArtTour. For four days, more than 200 professional visual artists will exhibit their work over 50 locations across the city centre and its outskirts.

The ArtTour was initiated ten years ago by Maastricht artist Bert Lemmens, with the aim to make contemporary art accessible and visible to the public.

Bert contacted artists working in various breeding spots in Maastricht. In the Wittevrouweveld neighbourhood, Bert invited the artists of the Plem building, hosting 24 studios, to participate in the ArtTour. At first, to no avail, due to a lack of cohesion among the artists, but “Things changed over time though,” says Herman Wijler, a gallery owner at Frankenstraat 188. Herman grew up in this neighbourhood, in the Voltastraat, and saw it all happen.

Creative art in Wittevrouweveld and Frankenstraat
“Wittevrouweveld is a very creative neighbourhood,” says Herman. “Over the years, the artists of the Plem building moved to the Voltastraat 52. A very progressive artist called Noëlla C., started cooperating with Belgian and German artists. They formed a group of conceptual artists called the Nonexistinggroup. Moreover, the director of Servatius [housing corporation] highly stimulates creative activities in Wittevrouweveld,” explains Herman, “because art brings a positive input into the neighbourhood.”

“The Frankenstraat is destined for art and design,” says Herman. It accommodates the KunstKetel, at the corner between Edisonstraat and Frankenstraat, a studio where young and old can follow various art courses and workhops. Herman, who defines himself a light writer or photographer, passionately talks about the art and creativity existing in the Wittevrouwenveld., He moved to the Frankenstraat in 2005 and started the Lichtschrijverij Herman Wijler gallery to exhibit conceptual modern art. Herman creates art that turns the beholder into a contemplator. He wants his art to surprise, to amaze.

Artist Herman Wijler, photograph by Stuart Woodburn

Wittevrouweveld will hold various activities and exhibitions during the ArtTour.The Nonexistinggroup will exhibit its work in the Rijdam (Kasteel Aldegoorstraat) in Nazareth. Herman Wijler (Frankenstraat 188) hopes that his work- photographic objects and pictures- and that of Marjan Vos –drawing, painting and graphic- will show the interaction between painted art and photography. Various other artists will exhibit their work in different buildings of the Servatius housing corporation in Frankenstraat. Herman cordially invites everyone to come and enjoy the art works in his neighbourhood!

ArtTour 2009 – “Best Before”
The ArtTour, this year themed “Best Before”, will kickoff on Thursday May 21st, at 14.00 hrs, at the Timmerfabriek (TBF) in Boscherstraat 3-5, the central meeting place of the ArtTour. The ArtTour programme is available throughout the city and at the tourist information office. It is possible to experience the ArtTour through five different ArtTour walks, that will take visitors to various neighbourhoods in the city. Buses will also depart from the Timmerfabriek to the Wittevrouweveld, Old Hickory and the AINSI. It is also possible to visit the ArtTour by bicycle. Bicycles are available at the Timmerfabriek and at the central station.

So, come and indulge yourself in a city living and breathing art. Enjoy a great journey along breeding spots, open workshops, sound art installations and regional and euroregional art initiatives. Come and discover visual art, new media, design and sound art. Come and visit the city’s art institutes and breeding hotspots, all free of charge. Have fun, enjoy!

By Judith Kroon

Judith Kroon, born in Belgium, studied at the European School in Brussels and graduated in International relations in Groningen. Her last job was for the Maastricht School of Management, where she worked as a Coordinator Executive Programs. “I loved that job, as I was working for and with students coming from countries in development. I love people, and I love working with people from different nationalities”, says Judith. Now she owns a massage practice.

More information: KunstTour

Related article:
Kunsttour 2007: New Media and Artistic Innovation in Maastricht

Photographs by Stuart Woodburn, Crosslights Photography

Maastricht Art Tour 2009