Subjective mapping of Groningen
★ November 2024 → Summer 2026 (expected) ⚑
Initiated by the art space ARTisBOOK, the Subjective Atlas of Groningen invites a diverse group of residents to map what it means to feel at home in the province of Groningen. Between Autumn 2024 and Spring 2026, participants from different communities collaboratively create a multifaceted portrait of the region, capturing personal—and often invisible—experiences of belonging, displacement, resilience, and daily life. The mappings emerge through partnerships with local organisations that open their doors and invite their communities to contribute: Academie Minerva, St. Willibrordus Primary School in Oude Pekela, the Oudeschip Village Association, Kraaienest in Groningen, and Stichting De Vrolijkheid at the Delfzijl asylum seekers’ centre. Together, these subjective mappings form a collective exploration of what it means to inhabit this province, and how home is continuously made and remade across its many communities.
Events
Workshops
From October 2024 to April 2026, a diverse group of Groningers will map what it means to be "at home" in the province of Groningen, in collaboration with art space ARTisBOOK and designer Annelys de Vet. The goal of this program is to share and make visible the personal, but often invisible, experiences of various resident groups in Groningen in a Subjective Atlas. To develop the atlas, ARTisBOOK works with various partners including Academie Minerva, St. Willibrordus Primary School (Oude Pekela), Oudeschip Village Association, Kraaienest (Groningen), and Stichting De Vrolijkheid (Delfzijl AZC.
Timeline
Here you can find the timeline and approach for the project The Subjective Atlas of Groningen. The process is divided into four phases, each with a specific focus:
Phase 1: Development (October 2024)
We kick off with a master workshop involving ARTisBOOK, Annelys de Vet, and the partner organizations. In this session, we adapt the existing methodology of the Subjective Atlases to the specific context of Groningen. This phase concludes with a public kick-off event, featuring a lecture and exhibition where we introduce the working methods and collect initial ideas.
October 3, 2024, Annelys de Vet gave a lecture to kick off the Subjective Atlas of Groningen at the Groene Zaal, Academie Minerva. Organized by ARTisBOOK, the lecture introduced the project’s methodology and its adaptation to Groningen’s context, exploring what it means to be "at home" in the province. Moderated by Sherlock Telgt, the event marked the start of a series of workshops and public activities aimed at sharing diverse local experiences.
Phase 2: Research (September 2024 - June 2025)
In seven workshops, organized by the partner organizations, approximately 80 participants will explore their vision of "being at home" in Groningen. Through creative sessions, they reflect on personal themes and develop visual contributions. This phase fosters interaction and provides space for diverse perspectives and stories.
Phase 3: Editing (June 2025 - April 2026)
The contributions are compiled into a cohesive atlas. In collaboration with participants and partner organizations, we organize feedback sessions to collectively determine the sequence and content, with a strong focus on the diversity of personal experiences.
Phase 4: Ongoing Public Program (September 2024 - April 2026)
Throughout the project, we organize public activities, including exhibitions, events, and participatory sessions across the province. Local communities share their stories, and the project becomes visible both physically and online. The atlas will be launched with a celebratory event where participants present their contributions.
With The Subjective Atlas of Groningen, we create a unique platform that connects stories and experiences, inviting a broad audience to reflect on the meaning of "being at home."
Acknowledgements
Initiatief: ARTisBOOK (Ruby de Vos, Pieter Augustijn) & Subjective Editions (Annelys de Vet, Kurt Vanbelleghem) Ondersteund door: Provincie Groningen, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie Partners (o.a.): Minerva Academie, Basisschool St. Willibrordus (Oude Pekela), Dorpsvereniging Oudeschip, Kraaienest (Groningen), Stichting De Vrolijkheid (AZC Delfzijl) Projectcoördinatie: Pieter Augustijn, Jedidja Smalbil, Ruby de Vos Productieassistent: Hanna de Boer Eindredacteur: Annelys de Vet (Subjective Editions) Grafisch ontwerp: Pieter Augustijn & Annelys de Vet Stagiair: Lydia Tekatoglou Visuele auterurs: gemeenschappen van partnerorganisaties Uitgever: Kurt Vanbelleghem (Subjective Editions) Social media: Kamile Česnavičiūtė
