Selwerd residents with green fingers or the desire to develop them can go to Volkshortus Selwerd. De Volkshortus is a greenhouse and meeting place in the heart of the district, conceived by artists Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit. A plant collection composed by local residents grows in the greenhouse, representing the residents and their diversity (80 nationalities). In the course of 2023, a portrait of the neighborhood will be created in the form of plants. Volkshortus Selwerd was opened on April 15 by alderman Rik van Niejenhuis.
The reason for the art project was the neighborhood renewal in Selwerd. Local residents contributed to an art assignment that was supervised by Kunstpunt. Project leader Nicoline Wijnja explains: “The great thing about Volkshortus Selwerd is that it brings people together in a very accessible way. This also happens with workshops by artists and other creative people from the neighbourhood. We notice that people get excited about that; meet each other, grow plants together and hear each other's stories through the plants. This is especially important during the neighborhood renewal, when a lot changes and residents temporarily move to live elsewhere.”
Positive reactions from local residents
The first reactions from the neighborhood are positive. Artists Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit note: “Sowing and growing is a universal theme, and caring together can bring many different people together. There has been a lot of run-up since we started building the greenhouse, we talk to a lot of people that we meet.” In addition to enjoying the greenery, local residents can also grow their own plants free of charge in the Volkshortus. In addition, Kunstpunt organizes an education program in collaboration with schools in the district.
Selwerd facade art Siep van den Berg
If you look closely, you can recognize a well-known visual language in the Volkshortus. Characteristic of the district are the facade works by artist Siep van den Berg. His geometric patterns are reflected in the interior of the greenhouse.
About Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit
The artist duo Saskia Janssen and George Korsmit often create social artworks using different media. The identity of the place and its inhabitants is the starting point. The duo recently won the Amsterdam Prize for Art with the Rainbow Soul club, an art studio in a shelter for the homeless and long-term drug users. The jury judged that the collective 'breaks the boundaries between the artistic and social domain'. Volkshortus Selwerd is their first work in Groningen.
Volkshortus Selwerd was realized in collaboration with Kunstpunt Groningen, the Municipality of Groningen and Nijestee. The greenhouse is located in the courtyard between Elzenlaan and Hazelaarstraat until October and is open from Thursday to Saturday from 13:00 – 17:00.