Who owns the (rural) land? Artistic research on the (rural) countryside in Rijksmuseum Twenthe
- Research
Over the next ten years, we need to construct more than a million houses and reduce our CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030. What does this mean for the rural areas? And how did we actually reach this point? These questions take centre stage in ‘Van wie is het (platte)land?’ (‘Whose owns the (rural) land’), an exhibition event and public programme taking place from 9th September 2023 to 28th January 2024 at the Rijksmuseum Twenthe. In the context of this exhibition, the ArtEZ Theory in the Arts professorship, in collaboration with Rijksmuseum Twenthe, has invited four artistic researchers to conduct field research in the countryside in and around Twenthe, with the main question: who owns the (rural) land?
The future of the (rural) countryside
The four participating artists are Tanja Engelberts, Wapke Feenstra, Jonas Staal, and Budhaditya Chattopadhyay. The research builds upon the dilemmas that manifest in the region. This may involve investigating particular noteworthy or contentious locations, as well as human (e.g. industrial) activities and socially distinctive situations. Conversations with residents, farmers, and institutional representatives are part of this process. The research aims to incorporate local and global issues into the ‘Van wie is het (platte)land project and engage local communities, giving them a voice.
Throughout the coming months, the researchers will explore specific themes and share their processes, findings, and insights during public activities. Curious? You can find all the information you need on the Rijksmuseum Twenthe website. There, you can also read more about the exhibition, the events, and, of course, the specific research that the four artists will be conducting in the upcoming months.
More information about 'Van wie is het (platte)land' (in Dutch)
About the professorship Theory in the Arts
The Theory in the Arts professorship investigates the nature, role, and significance of theory in contemporary arts. The focus lies in the ecology of the arts, which means the intriguing connections or intertwinements that exist or emerge between theory and the practice of the arts, as well as its relationship with the world around us.