Imagine: Groningen as a parallel universe where artworks in the streets come to life as superheroes…
In June 2025, this becomes reality with the graphic novel Guardians of Grunn. Familiar “faces” like Ultra, Beeld voor de Vishoek, Dreckschnabel, and De Grote Verscheuring take on heroic roles as guardians of the city, but lesser-known sculptures such as the Beaver and Saint Martin also reveal remarkable powers. Together, they form the foundation of a new Groningen superhero universe.
For this graphic novel, we invited ten artists, comic book creators, and writers to view the public art of Groningen from a new perspective — and we invite you to do the same.
This spring, dive into the fantastic world of Groningen’s public artworks.
The Story
Guardians of Grunn is set in a parallel version of the city of Groningen: Grunn. De Bleker, the archetype of an eager businessman, discovers that the sculptures scattered throughout the city are a source of extraordinary energy. By channeling this energy, he hopes to compensate for the shortages caused by the closure of the gas fields. “For free,” of course, “for free”…
One by one, the public artworks begin to fade and disappear. Along with them, our shared memories vanish. Hinder believes he has found a clean form of energy but fails to realize the damage he is inflicting on the community. This “clean” energy leaves cracks behind — not just in the city, but in the collective memory and sense of belonging that the sculptures once held for Grunn.
Against the backdrop of a city simmering with growing discontent, some of the sculptures rise up. A revolution unfolds, and these heroes fight to reclaim their rightful place in the city…
Order the graphic novel Guardians of Grunn
Order your copy of the (Dutch) graphic novel Guardians of Grunn: a hefty comic book set in this new superhero universe based in Groningen.
Art route: Meet the Guardians of Grunn
Walk past all the Guardians of Grunn in the city centre of Groningen in June. This art route takes you past all the statues that play a leading role in this new superhero epic. The duration of the route is approximately 1.5 hours. At each location you can discover a part of the story via the QR code.
... And there is much more to do
The entire month of June we have a full program with activities around the Guardians of Grunn: from Art Tours to making your own fan art and participating in a one-day exhibition in Kunstpunt.
Create your own superhero
Create your own superhero and add your hero to the Guardians of Grunn universe! Participate in the writing contest and write a short story with your favorite Groningen image in the lead role or draw or paint your own character and exhibit your work during the one-day exhibition at the Guardians of Grunn closing party.
The Collective
Ten comic artists, visual artists, and writers are transforming artworks into main characters in a new graphic story: Esther van de Bund, Olivier van Eijk, Janneke Hoek, Emy Koopman, Mădălina Mihuțoiu, Guus Møystad, Bart Nijstad, Richard Nobbe, Niek van Ooijen, and Sterric. Together, they explored the public art in Groningen, drawing inspiration from its historical and geographical context, materials, and originally intended symbolism.
Did you know that there are almost 600 works of art in the public space of Groningen? You come across them in parks, on squares or in the middle of residential areas. Some of these works of art are so familiar that you hardly notice them anymore. Others stand out: because they are loved in the neighborhood, occupy a special place or simply tell a beautiful story. In June, the Month of Art on the Street, we put ten of these works of art in the spotlight. They have a chance to win the Art on the Street Award 2025. This year's theme is Local Heroes. Which is your favorite? Vote from June 1 to 20.
Art project 'The Hero in You'
The Hero in You is a visual and participatory art project around Guardians of Grunn in which children and young people (4-23 years), regardless of language level or background, explore their inner strength and heroism. In three to six workshops they work on a joint project in different age groups. The art project The Hero in You is in collaboration with De Vrolijkheid, a foundation that organizes creative workshops and artistic activities at Dutch asylum seekers’ centers, and is supported by the ELJA Foundation.