The toekomstkijkers
What happens when you ask two celebrated artists to create an art project that connects the historic city center with the new City Delta? The Municipality of Den Bosch posed this question to Maarten Baas and Ted Noten, resulting in the inspiring and innovative art project “Toekomstkijkers.”
This initiative, which highlights both the history and the future of the city, invites residents and visitors to look at the city in a new way.
“Toekomstkijkers” (viewers on the future) consists of five fixed stargazers, designed by Maarten Baas, with modern benches created by Ted Noten next to them. This unique artwork, located on the waterfront near the Citadel, provides not only a visual connection, but also a symbolic bridge between old and new, between the historic downtown and the new Bossche City Delta.
In addition, the artwork provides a glimpse into the future. The stargazers focus on small artworks by young, promising Bossche makers, selected by Maarten Baas. With this, Maarten and Ted literally look to the future, the new generation of artists, and put them in the spotlight.
In addition, Ted Noten has developed a special walking route that leads visitors past these works of art. Through old candy vending machines, visitors can obtain a “Miss Piggy” ring with a folded up route map for two euros. These vending machines will be strategically placed in the Stadswinkel and the Design Museum Den Bosch, and from there you will be guided throughout the city.
The project will continue for at least three years, encouraging connection between the present and the future, bringing a new dynamic to the city.
With “Toekomstkijkers,” Maarten Baas and Ted Noten show how art contributes to the connection and renewal of the city, making our city a little more beautiful again. Come see and discover what the future looks like through the eyes of these visionary artists.