International art project seeks participants—would you like to join?
Every year, the municipalities of Aalten and Bocholt collaborate on a special art project. This year, it’s the Textmachine, an interactive installation where residents can share their own stories and creations. The Textmachine, designed by German artist Karo Kollwitz, is traveling throughout Europe. The installation brings together stories, poems, and more in an interactive setup mounted on a lamppost. The art project is coming to the municipality of Aalten, and you can participate!
Every resident of the municipalities of Aalten and Bocholt is warmly invited to contribute. Whether you have a story, poem, rap, or spoken message, everything is welcome as long as it is your own creation. Age, background, or experience do not matter. With your voice and story, the artwork will come to life and be heard in both municipalities.
The Textmachine is an installation featuring 23 buttons mounted on a lamppost. Each button plays an audio clip: a story, poem, rap, song, or spoken message. The installation will be on display in Bocholt for two months starting in June, followed by two months in Aalten. A total of 23 clips have been recorded by residents of the municipalities of Aalten and Bocholt. This creates a unique exchange of stories and perspectives, right in the middle of the street and accessible to everyone.
Why this art project?
The municipalities of Aalten and Bocholt organize an annual cross-border art project. In 2025, for example, German artist Garvin Dickhof wrapped part of the Grenslandmuseum in Dinxperlo in blocks. Art transcends language and culture and demonstrates that cooperation and coexistence do not stop at the border. The Textmachine connects, surprises, and broadens our shared world.
Here's how you can participate and sign up
You can apply from April 1 through April 20 by filling out the application form at .
There is room for twelve entries from the municipality of Aalten. If the number of applications exceeds the available spots, the municipality will make a selection from all submissions.
This project is made possible in part by the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.