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Clinker brick art for Wittmund: A vision from Nic Schaatsbergen!
The sculptor Nic Schaatsbergen is planning a brick art installation for the church square in Wittmund to promote community and culture.
Clinker brick art for Wittmund: A vision from Nic Schaatsbergen!
The art scene in Wittmund could soon be enriched by a fascinating highlight. The talented sculptor Nic Schaatsbergen has big plans: She wants to enrich the church square in Wittmund with innovative clinker art. Schaatsbergen is one of the few artists in the world who specializes in working with clinker stone. Their goal is to create a welcoming space that motivates people to take advantage of the beautiful little streets and the majestic trees surrounding this square.
In her reflections, she expresses regret that the church square has so far been little frequented. To combat this, she suggests creating a unique piece of clinker furniture - perhaps a clinker sofa - that is both functional and artistically appealing. But the realization of this project is still up in the air. In order to implement the project, Schaatsbergen has submitted an application for funding as part of the “Aller.Land” program.
“Aller.Land” – An important funding program
The program “Aller.Land – shaping together. Strengthening structures.” was launched in 2023 to promote culture, participation and democracy in rural regions of Germany. The aim is to support committed local people in shaping their living environment through creative ideas. In the first half of 2025, 30 regions were selected to implement their concepts. They will have the opportunity to test and introduce their projects by mid-2030. Unfortunately, East Frisia, and thus Wittmund, recently received a rejection of the funding application, which was regretted by Heike Pilk, the head of the Europahaus in Aurich: Many projects could not be realized as a result.
The person behind the art
Nicole Schenderlein, born in 1979, is behind the stage name Nic Schaatsbergen. She has a lot of life experience: after a career as a journalist and in psychological counseling, she dedicated herself to sculpture full-time. She is currently studying sculpture and is actively involved in the art sector, including by setting up the association Turning the tide, which focuses on creative expression.
The motivation for their commitment is no coincidence. Schaatsbergen has suffered personal blows of fate in recent years that drive her to help others. Their goal is to support people in difficult life situations and to draw attention to issues such as suicide. Art becomes an important means of coping with grief for them.
A look into the future
In addition to the clinker art project, Schaatsbergen is also planning a sculpture route through Dornum that will put the region and its history in the best light. Her projects are not only an expression of her own creativity, but she also strives to connect art and community development. With this approach, Wittmund could become a lively cultural hotspot, also thanks to Nic Schaatsbergen's ideas - if the necessary funds are available.