Rollercoaster times

These are rollercoaster times...problems arise on a daily basis but also fantastic things happen on a daily basis. We’ve had some major problems today and the whole production team has gotten to a point that we just have to laugh about it. After months of negotiations with the local authorities, planning everything up until the tiniest details , up until the very last centimeter, socket and nail, one of our transport companies arrives and dumps a huge container on exactly the wrong spot. And then leaves. Next we hear the location of Sanja’s work has to change at the last minute, again. And that we have to arrange the electricity for Pascale’s work in another way. The clay sample for Michael has somehow been lost in the virtual world of delivery services. There is not enough electric power available on site for Chika’s planned performances. A lawsuit, that has nothing to do with us, causes insufferable delays in the finalizing of Peter’s work. And for some reason, we still do not officially have our licenses, while Thomas starts tomorrow. And the saddest thing of all: Nicky’s work cannot be realized on time, due to a disappointing result of the durability test of her experimental materials. And so on and so on. Welcome to art in public space.

But then something happens that really lifts you up. Today, while being interviewed in front Kraaiennest, I was approached by a local inhabitant, who told me that she really loves Peter’s work. And I got a call from the Bouwmeester wharf: Michael’s ‘bagel boat’ is practically finished, which is way ahead of schedule.