WETTER

After a successful pilot, the project WETTER will take place for the second time in collaboration with Oeds Westerhof and Museum Dr8888, in the surroundings of the Frisian National Park De Alde Feanen. This area is rich with waterways, canals, and lakes, and is the birthplace of traditions such as skûtsjesilen (sailing competitions), reed skating, fierljeppen (pole vaulting over water), and the iconic pompeblêd (Frisian flag symbol).

A study by the World Wildlife Fund shows that in areas where natural diversity declines sharply due to intensive agriculture, cultural diversity also diminishes significantly. This is exactly what we see happening in this Frisian peatland. Due to intensive farming and climate change, biodiversity has decreased drastically; music schools, libraries, and primary schools are closing, while theatre groups, marching bands, and choirs are disappearing. Cultural life is withering.

It is therefore high time to breathe new life into Friesland’s culture. With the WETTER project, we are organizing an expedition in which young people and artists explore the peatland. Children from 10 primary schools in the vicinity of the national park will work with WETTER every week for two months. They will engage in conversations with each other, environmental organizations, farmers, and residents. Inspired by their reflections and these exchanges, they will create music, performances, and art. Everything will come together in a final presentation at Museum Dr8888.