Images, information columns, listening posts and iconic landscape artworks: and all with a nod to or in the spirit of Vincent van Gogh. Anyone visiting New Amsterdam/Veenoord in two years will lack eyes with regard to the seeing of art in and around the Southeast Drenthe twin village, which must become the Van Goghdorp of the Netherlands. Thanks to a contribution from the Zuidoost-Drenthe regional album of no less than one million euros, you can unpack.
Van Gogh visited New Amsterdam/Veenoord in the fall to immortalize the Drenthe landscape and the people here. He spent only three months in the village, but it would be a decisive stay: his love for painting got an all -determining pendulum in the rugged peat area.
Two years ago, the 140th anniversary of the visit of the artist to the province was still extensively considered in Drenthe, who also visited Zweeloo and Hoogeveen in addition to New Amsterdam/Veenoord. A shame to leave that at one year, several parties found in Drenthe.
Because the story of one of the most famous artists appeals to the imagination, certainly his Drenthe period. Moreover, Vincent is a nice sign for the province to lure visitors here.
The foundation of Gogh Dorp Drenthe did not sit still, according to board member Henny Sieben during an information meeting held in the Zuiderkerk in New Amsterdam tonight. She listed a laundry list of projects already realized: see-through panels, information boards, walking and cycling routes, village guides, a portrait on the former grain silo and the placement of a statue of Vincent along the Vaart.
A large mosaic artwork by artist Sé van Weert at the station and a double exhibition with the Belgian Borinage region (also visited by Vincent) are still in the making. Sieben also mentioned a whole battery of more information points and artworks that can be placed. Tiles on a bridge or in the stairs along the canal, huge photo frames, a work of art with the head of Van Gogh as the starting point and a screen along the voyage that shows changing images of Vincent’s work.
Nothing is cast in concrete, says Sieben. The idea is to develop these things mainly with and by residents of the village. So suggestions from the village were also very welcome. Because the title of Gogh Dorp should not only resound in the Netherlands, but also abroad.
Basis in the twin village is of course the Van Gogh Huis in Veenoord, located in the accommodation where Vincent once stayed. According to former deputy and director Nelleke Vedelaar, the house had a hefty boost two years ago. Thanks to modern technology and audiovisual highlights, visitors are now literally entering Vincent’s story. An intervention that successfully translated into more visitors, says Vedelaar. The plans are now to continue.
The entrance and the surrounding garden, now mainly a large gravel bin, must get new impetus. Idea is to develop a new entrance and a terrace with a garden. The facades can stand out more by, for example, placing an art (light) work. Meeting options for club life, painting workshops and an AI photo technology that you place in the work of Van Gogh could bring extra money into the drawer. Finally, the Van Gogh House strives for the museum status, which open the door to more subsidy options.
The intention is also to place three striking, ‘iconic’ artworks in the three municipalities involved. Preferably along the already set theme bicycle routes for that extra piece of experience, says Hellen Abma, who is involved in this project as a project manager. Because that must also help visitors to tempt a multi -day visit to Drenthe. These can be sculptures, buildings or installations. Exact locations are also not yet known.
The way in which the million is distributed. Half a million is set out for the landscape artworks, for the development of both the Van Gogh House and the Van Gogh village each a quarter of a million. As mentioned, everything must be done with as much input as possible from the residents. But given the modest turnout in the church, there is still some profit to be made there. The intention is that the lion’s share was realized in 2027.