With the project Ode to Heerlen-Noord, De Positieve Stad, various partners, residents and professional cultural makers from the Heerlen hip-hop community join forces to realize an inspiring work of art on a central square in the heart of Heerlen-Noord. The square, once the epicentre of the emerging hip-hop culture in Heerlen-Noord, will not only get a striking eye-catcher with the work of art, but also a unifying symbol of pride and identity.
During the project, the active involvement of residents and in particular the participation of young people is central. With the guidance of local cultural pioneers from the Heerlen hip-hop community, discussions, workshops and meetings are organized to collect stories and experiences about the past, present and future of Heerlen-Noord.
The lifelike artwork is designed in corten steel and made interactive by means of a QR code that provides access to the music and other artistic expressions. The project strives for sustainable impact, in which the stories and inspiration from the conversations, workshops and meetings are captured in the artwork that connects the neighborhood of today and the future with the past and the rise of hip-hop culture in Heerlen-Noord.
The kick-off meeting will take place on Sunday 9 February 2025 between 12:30 and 15:00 in Cultuurhuis Heerlen, Sittarderweg 145.