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IT’S ABOUT
ART AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
‘FROM local artists to the local people.’ In a nutshell that’s what project Korteweg sell their handmade
arts and crafts to the
(Short road) is trying to achieve.”Ana Maria Ramirez from UNOCA, the cultural public. Exhibiting
fund that supports this initiative mentioned. Artist Cado de Lannoy came up with their various art
the idea of a side street off the main street that offers a variety of local artists’ forms in a pop-up
pieces. This will make art more accessible to the public, but will also encourage style market made
entrepreneurship to the artists. De Lannoy: of reclaimed wood,
visitors are welcome to
“This will allow artists to live from them meet the local artists, purchase unique
money made with their work.” locally hand-made art, crafts and snacks made out of cacti, whilst enjoying local
vibes. Since its launch in April 2015, Korteweg has also popped up in for the San
Korteweg is street art, as it is bluntly said. “The first session sponsored by UNOCA Nicolas edition during Carubbian, With Cado “Cadosbla” De Lannoy at the helm,
took place in May and started with eight participants. Meanwhile its success grew ideas were made into actions and his art crew is growing by the day.
and we now have twenty participating artists,” Ramirez said enthusiastically. The
idea is that more people can be reached in the world of art while entrepreneurship Mixing People
is stimulated among the performers.
“In recent sessions Korteweg drew an audience of young and old, from bank man-
agers to students” says Ramirez. “It was a nice mix of people.” Sustainability also
plays an important role in the artists’ initiative because the stands are all made
from recycled pallets. De Lannoy explains that the idea came to him because of the
Government’s desire to attract more people to the Main street area. “At that time
the Fiesta den Caya on Friday was taking place and subsequently I suggested the
idea of a n art street. So it began. Now we do this with the four us: Ashlin Ahlip,
Frank Kelly, Mario Briezen and I.”
In order not to work with the standard tables, the foursome decided to make pallet
timber stands where the art can be displayed.
“This will bring art to a more professional “I was already making all kinds of pallet furniture and now I get more and more
level and actively involve the society in art.” orders. That’s the idea of Korteweg: For artists to live from their art and it supports
our economy. De Lannoy is pleased with the support received from UNOCA which
“Korteweg can be viewed as a meeting point for artists and audiences,” Ramirez puts a particular artist in the limelight each month.
continues. UNOCA is always willing to support local artists according to Ramirez. “There is food, drinks and music. The environment has to be particularly sociable
Artist Rudy Omar Leysner recently took part in a Visionary Art Intensive Course in and inspiring.” According to De Lannoy if it were up to him Korteweg would be
New York. “It stimulates the artist to advance to the next level. Culture should be travelling in the future. “There’s already a chance that a Korteweg design underway
more a part of society. “ is in New York where my girlfriend lives. Who knows,” De Lannoy says laughing.
For those who want to know more about Korteweg they can visit its Facebook page.
Korteweg is a new local avant-garde art movement, started out as a collaboration
of friends who wanted to provide Aruba with a local art street where artists could Korteweg is located in the heart of Oranjestad, the perfect setting to start an art
movement where local artists can sell their handmade arts and crafts to the public
and had a special event last Friday.
ARUBA TRAVELLER - Monday, August 10 2015 3LOCAL
