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Writing Contest Guardians of Grunn

Imagine this: Groningen as a parallel universe where street artworks come to life as superheroes… In June, this becomes reality with the graphic novel Guardians of Grunn. We have invited ten artists, comic creators, and writers to look at public art in a new way – and now we invite you to do the same. Join the Guardians of Grunn writing competition!

Kunstpunt Groningen and NOORDWOORD invite (aspiring) writers to be inspired by a public artwork in the city and write a short story about a sculpture that comes to life in the mysterious parallel Groningen: Grunn. The five best stories will be performed at the Guardians of Grunn closing party on July 3rd and published on the websites of Kunstpunt and NOORDWOORD. The winning story will also be published in the next edition of KUNST., the magazine about visual arts in Groningen, available for free at more than 125 locations across the city.

Let yourself be inspired by one of the hundreds of public artworks in Groningen and help shape the world of Grunn.

About Guardians of Grunn

Guardians of Grunn takes place in a parallel version of the city of Groningen: Grunn. Derek Hinder, the archetype of an ambitious businessman, discovers that the city’s sculptures are a source of a unique energy. By channeling this energy, he hopes to compensate for the shortages caused by the closure of the gas field. “For free,” of course — “for free”…

One by one, the artworks on the streets fade and disappear from our midst. Along with them, our shared memories vanish. Hinder believes he has found a clean source of energy, but he fails to realize the damage he is doing to the community. This so-called “clean” energy leaves behind cracks; the memories and sense of community embedded in the artworks disappear from Grunn as well.
Against the backdrop of a city filled with growing discontent, several sculptures rise up in resistance. A revolution erupts, and these heroes fight to reclaim their place in the city once more.

Over the past few months, a collective of 10 artists, writers, and comic creators has laid the foundation for this new myth. Guardians of Grunn will be available as a graphic novel in stores starting June 1st.
With leading roles for sculptures such as Ultra, Dreckschnabel, Beeld voor de Vishoek, and De Grote Verscheuring, they are the founders of a new Groningen superhero universe. We invite you to help expand this universe!

The Writing Assignment

Write a short story of no more than 750 words featuring your favorite sculpture from Groningen in the leading role. Immerse yourself in the world of Grunn: each sculpture has its own personal mission and character traits, shaped by its surroundings, materials, memories, and the symbolism behind its creation.
Take us into your version of Grunn, guided by your hero!

The Price

The writers of the top five stories will be invited to present their work during the closing event of the Month of Public Art on July 3rd, and their stories will be published on the websites of Kunstpunt and NOORDWOORD.

The best story will be published in the next edition of KUNST. magazine and will be adapted into a comic by Esther van de Bund, one of the artists from the Guardians of Grunn collective.
The winner will also receive a high-quality print of the comic.

Deadline

One minute before midnight on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.

Rules and Regulations

  • The story must be about a sculpture in Groningen.

  • The submission must include a photo of the sculpture or a link to the artwork in Kunstpunt’s online collection.

  • The story must not have been published previously.

  • Participation is free of charge.

  • The story must be written by a human, not by AI or a chatbot.

  • Only one story per participant is allowed.

Read the full Rules and Regulations.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please send an email to schrijfwedstrijd@kunstpuntgroningen.nl.

 

This writing competition has been registered with Schrijvenonline.org, the website for writers and writing competitions.