KruisstraatOriginal
A street with its own brand? Why not. In fact, we think it’s a brilliant idea. Oud-Woensel, with the lively Kruisstraat at its heart, is a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, residents and visitors – including the many who flock to the Saturday Woenselse Markt.
Organising, connecting, bringing the area to life
Oud-Woensel, where CKE is based, is a neighbourhood with a reputation – but it’s also a place where wonderful things are happening. KruisstraatOriginal shines a spotlight on those positives. This “re-colouring” doesn’t deny the challenges, but it does foster a sense of pride and connection – a feeling that extends far beyond the neighbourhood itself.
A hook for positivity
The KruisstraatOriginal “brand” is the brainchild of designer and local resident Maaike van Zijl, supported by CKE, Municipality of Eindhoven, Cultuurfonds, Gildebuurt Residents Initiative, Trompstraat 2A and local Kruisstraat businesses. Maaike: “KruisstraatOriginal plays with the often negative image people have of the area. We turn that image around using humour and creativity. At its core, KruisstraatOriginal is a platform for all the positive energy in the neighbourhood.”
Art as a tool
Behind the cheerful, creative activities, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes as well. Maaike: “We collaborate closely with Eindhoven’s area coordinators. We want to understand the sensitivities, engage local business owners and residents, and raise awareness of the power and value of working together. Our guiding question is: how can we use art, culture and creativity to help shape a more positive perception and a better vibe in the area?”
Creativity in abundance
KruisstraatOriginal is growing fast. It all started with quirky postcards featuring funny images. Then came a custom-printed crockery set with iconic Kruisstraat scenes. Now, we’re organising larger activities in and around the Kruisstraat – even inside CKE’s own building.
KruisstraatOriginal Festival
The KruisstraatOriginal Festival is a summertime celebration at the Woenselse Markt where everyone is welcome. There’s plenty for kids to do – plus a delicious selection of international foods to enjoy. In the run-up to the festival, we work with nearby primary schools. Children can even come and get creative outside school hours, for example making decorations for the square. It’s a great way for them to connect, beautify the neighbourhood, and explore their creative side. Local residents’ groups – Gildebuurt and Trompstraat 2A – are also involved.
Winter Wonder Windows
Remember the magic of seeing shop windows lit up and decorated during the holidays when you were little? That sense of wonder is exactly what Winter Wonder Windows brings back. Children from Oud-Woensel create drawings and crafts, which are transformed by our cultural coordinators into magical 3D creatures and machines. A festive unveiling of the display windows (at CKE) brings joy and connection between children, their parents and the neighbourhood.
Ties with the neighbourhood
KruisstraatOriginal helps put the neighbourhood on the map in a positive way. Strong partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders are key to that mission. Maaike: “We’ve built strong relationships with the Trompstraat 2A neighbourhood association in Hemelrijken, the Gildebuurt residents’ association, and the area coordinators at the Municipality of Eindhoven. Together, we’re working to make Oud-Woensel a better place.”
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