Limburg becomes free open-air museum with new street art app

The Dutch province of Limburg has been transformed into a vast, free open-air museum thanks to a new app developed by the art collective SAGA. This initiative allows cyclists and walkers to explore the region and discover street art, with the app serving as a digital guide.

“

We try to exhibit street art, like graffiti, in the public space.

The app provides background information on the artists and even exclusive "making-of" footage for some works. It seamlessly integrates with Limburg's existing cycling network, offering users curated routes that pass by various artworks. SAGA, an organization focused on contemporary art and public space, spent three years meticulously documenting street art across Limburg, from Lommel to Maaseik and Genk.

“

Limburg is now a grand open-air museum where visitors can soak up culture and enjoy nature at the same time.

"Limburg is now a grand open-air museum where visitors can soak up culture and enjoy nature at the same time," said SAGA coordinator Daan Lippens. He expressed ambition to eventually expand the app's reach to all of Flanders. For those who prefer a tangible experience, SAGA also offers a printed catalog of the artworks.

“

We hope to appeal to a new audience with this, because we have a lot of street art to offer in our area.

Local officials see the project as a way to attract a younger audience and enrich the experience for existing tourists. The app also identifies legal spaces for graffiti artists, demonstrating SAGA's commitment to both showcasing existing art and supporting the street art community. Lippens described the app as a "dynamic platform" where users can even suggest new locations where they discover street art.

“

The app thus becomes a dynamic platform.