Opening of "Textmachine" Brings Together Stories from Aalten and Bocholt

During the opening, Alderman Wikkerink noted that art and culture in the municipality of Aalten help bring residents together, even across borders. He cited the Textmachine as a fine example and expressed his appreciation for Karo Kollwitz’s work. Finally, he expressed his hope that many residents would take the time to listen to the stories.

The Text Machine

With the push of a button, the installation lets visitors listen to a story written and narrated by a local resident. The contributions range from memories to short, poetic texts and can be heard in Dutch, German, or dialect. The Dutch submissions all have a direct connection to the municipality of Aalten, either because the author lives or works here, or because the text is about the region.

How the Project Came About

The art project stems from a collaboration between the municipality of Aalten and the city of Bocholt in the areas of culture and tourism. As a result of this collaboration, the “Textmachine” project was selected. The artwork was previously on display in Bocholt and is now on temporary display in Aalten. The project was made possible by both municipalities, the cultural partnership, Lernwerk Bocholt, and artist Karo Kollwitz.

Time period and location

The Textmachine will remain on display and audible at the lamppost in front of the National Hiding Place Museum in Aalten through September. Residents, visitors, and all contributors from the Netherlands and Germany are warmly invited to come and listen to the stories.