Stamkartstraat, near The Hague University of Applied Sciences, has recently been brightened up with a series of new street art murals. The artworks were officially unveiled recently in the presence of district alderman Mariëlle Vavier, local residents and others involved in the project.
Mariëlle Vavier, alderman for the Laak district, said: “It is wonderful to see how cooperation between residents, the municipality and artists has transformed this street from an unpleasant and unsafe place into somewhere fresh and bright. Initiatives like this make me very happy as district alderman. Only by working together can we make Laak, and keep Laak, a pleasant place to live for everyone.”
Klaas Verschuure, alderman for Urban Development, said: “We are working on major area development in the Central Innovation District (CID). This involves building, renewing and improving. At the same time, it is important that the area remains a pleasant place to live. As a municipality, we cannot do this alone. I am therefore extremely proud of these committed local residents, who have rolled up their sleeves and helped create something beautiful.”
Peter van Daalen de Jel, chair of BOLF Laak, said: “Only together, with residents, organisations and people from the municipality, can we make and keep the city enjoyable, clean, safe, green and liveable. And it is something you can enjoy doing together too.”
In recent weeks, local residents, BURO Samen, students and new residents of the container homes worked together on the colourful murals. The result is a series of artworks that create a bridge between the past and the future. The design refers both to the history of the former Laakhavens harbour area and to current urban developments, including the growth of The Hague’s skyline as part of the wider Central Innovation District development.
The initiative came from the Bewonersoverleg Leeghwaterkade, Fijnjekade en omgeving, known as BOLF. The residents’ group had noticed that many local residents and passers-by experienced Stamkartstraat as an unpleasant and unsafe place. With funding from the municipality’s Stadmaken programme, they were able to support a project intended to make the street feel more welcoming.
The colourful murals have given Stamkartstraat a fresher appearance and created an opportunity for local residents, students, organisations and the municipality to work together on a shared neighbourhood initiative.
Text and image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online