Discover artistically: design children aachen history new!

Discover artistically: design children aachen history new!

A unique project in Aachen brings the perspective of young people into the focus of the art scene. In seven central locations in the city, including the town hall and the cathedral, special children's signs were attached, which were designed by children for children. This exciting step follows an original proposal, which was introduced by students from the KGS at the Römerhof in the citizen. "We are thrilled that we have now fulfilled the children's wishes," emphasized the Mayor Sibylle Keupen and described the new signs as an opportunity for children to explore their surroundings in a creative and modern way.

The KGS at the fish market played a central role in this creative project. In the past few months, the students have examined historical sites in Aachen. This was initially due to age -appropriate tours, of which the children were able to collect many valuable impressions. This experience was then deepened in several workshops with the artist Tim Berresheim. An exciting connection between analog and digital art forms was created here. The children created drawings and models that were later digitized, which ultimately led to the currently presented signs. "The signs combine the analog art of children with digital elements in a vivid way," said Berresheim and highlighted the creativity of the children.

The project "From old root new power"

Of course, this is not just the commitment of the elementary school children. The project "From old root new power", which has been active for over a year, includes participants from different age groups. In addition to the students of the KGS on the fish market, young adults from the VHS College and students from the Kaiser-Karls-Gymnasium are also involved. The main goal of the project is to explore the “stages of the city” and to promote the creative exchange between art and community. In creative workshops that range from drawing and modeling courses to digital applications, the participants can bring in and develop their ideas.

The first results of this artistic exchange have already been presented publicly. An exhibition took place in the Salvator Church in December 2023, which showed the early results of the cooperation between the artists and the children. Further work was shown as part of the Aachen art route in the Center Charlemagne. A work by Tim Berresheim was particularly noteworthy, which was seen during the art route in the Suermondt-Ludwig Forum and the ideas of the participants, which illustrated the interaction of the various creative processes.

The connection between analog and digital art plays a central role in the overall work that will be created at the end of the project. A multimedia total work of art is expected, which combines different forms of expression and focuses on the identity of all participants. Whether in the form of the children's signs, a mural or augmented reality works of art-all creations flow into the total work of art.

integration of education and art

The Suermondt Ludwig Museum has also actively participated in this dialogue to integrate the collection into the creative processes. In cooperation with the museum, the young adults from VHS College experienced an introduction by the curators. They used this input phase to consider the grandiose sculpture "Apoll and Daphne" as an incentive for their own creative processes. The resulting works will be presented in the museum in an exhibition next year.

Not only art, but also learning new skills. The connection between art view, creation and the possibility of presenting them in the community impressively shows how art can act as a medium for personal and community development. This innovative interplay not only enables a deeper examination of the environment, but also promotes creative exchange across all ages.

The results of this comprehensive project are a fascinating example of how communal art projects can contribute to a deeper understanding of culture and identity. The children, artists and educational institutions create a room together in which creativity and learn to go hand in hand. For more information, See the current reporting at www.aachen.de .