Midissage to the exhibition "FREIHEITSSTROM"

The cross-border art project "FREIHEITSSTROM - VRIJHEIDSSTROOM" was opened on 8 May 2025 to mark "80 years of peace & freedom". Works of art were exhibited in Bocholt and Doetinchem - now they are changing location. For this reason, a second opening (midissage) of the exhibition will take place on 31 August.

The cross-border relocation will take place between 24 and 29 August. Four of the eight sculptures were erected in Bocholt behind the LernWerk along the Bocholter Aa and on both sides of the Podium Bridge. The other four works of art were erected in Doetinchem near the Oude Ijssel and at the Walmolen mill. Detailed information on the eight artist tandems can be found on the German-Dutch FREIHEITSSTROM website.

Many interested visitors

The exhibition was very well received. Due to their location on central footpaths and cycle paths - in Doetinchem even in the field of vision of car traffic - the artworks attracted a lot of attention. In addition, a special Freedom Stream cycle tour was offered, which started in Bocholt and ended in Doetinchem. Curator Verena Winter welcomed the group of cyclists and introduced them to the individual sculptures.

Themes of peace and freedom take centre stage

The works of art deal with themes such as freedom, the pursuit of peace and the dynamics of cultural trends. The Bocholter Aa and the Dutch Oude Ijssel, which connect the two cities, are not only geographical but also symbolic elements of the project. The number 8 plays a central role: the end of the Second World War on 8 May 1945, the horizontal 8 as a symbol of infinity and the 8 artist tandems who are creating 8 sculptures - some in close collaboration with local craft businesses.

Support from many sides

The cross-border art project "FREIHEITSSTROM - VRIJHEIDSSTROOM" is an initiative of the city of Bocholt and the Gemeente Doetinchem (Netherlands) together with the city museums of both cities. It brings together artists from both countries.

The fact that this art project could be realised is primarily thanks to the artist tandems as well as the craft businesses, companies and many other participants who supported the artists in a variety of ways. The FREIHEITSSTROM project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the city of Bocholt and the municipality of Doetinchem as part of the Interreg Germany-Nederland programme.