Art Project Stories of Freedom: Connecting Past and Present

In 2024, it will be 80 years since the liberation of Eindhoven. To mark this historic milestone—and to explore the concept of freedom from different perspectives—we are organising a year-long programme of special activities in collaboration with Stichting Veteranen Brabant Zuid Oost.

Song by Iris Penning and Year 7/8 of De Trinoom Primary School

This autumn, veteran Huub Vleeshouwers shared his Story of Freedom with pupils from Year 7/8 at Trinoom Primary School. Together with singer-songwriter Iris Penning, they wrote a song about freedom. Huub was surprised with a live performance by Iris and the class.

Stories of Freedom – In Pictures

At the heart of this initiative are the stories of war veterans (linked to Veteranenhuis De Treffer) and refugees. They are stories of resilience, hope, and the awareness that freedom should never be taken for granted by future generations.

By connecting veterans and refugees with artists and young people, we bring their stories to life in unique, meaningful ways. Think: music productions, murals, photography, theatre, an exhibition, and a dedicated magazine. Through school workshops and events at neighbourhood venues, we actively involve the younger generation.

Lars van Asten, Cultural Coordinator at CKE: “The personal stories of people who know what it’s like not to live in freedom often go unheard. We want to change that. These creative connections show that freedom isn’t a given, and they encourage reflection and meaningful encounters between very different, yet equally remarkable, groups.”

The Stories of Freedom project is an initiative by the Veterans Foundation Southeast Brabant and CKE, made possible by Freedom Vibes 040, Municipality of Eindhoven and the VSBfonds. We work together with a wide range of partners, including NEOS, Helmen Vol Verhalen, local schools and artists from the Brainport region.