Wachttijd - Open studio at Breda station

Waiting is something everyone does. But what does waiting mean to you? For some, it's a breath of fresh air; for others, a source of frustration or uncertainty. In the project Waiting Time, five young artists together with social organisations explore what waiting signifies in different lives. Their reflections are translated into the painting of ten picnic tables at Breda Central station – places where travellers, casual passersby, and local residents cross paths.

From March to June, one artist works live at the station for two weeks in a temporary studio on the Belcrum side. Visitors are welcome to witness the creative process up close. See the flip sign outside? Then the artist is working.  They are usually present on weekdays and occasionally at weekends.

Hilal Uzuner
1 May until 11 May
During the live period of the Waiting Time project, artist Hilal Uzuner works on painting two picnic tables at Breda station. Drawing from her background as an illustrator and designer, Hilal uses colour, pattern, and symbolism to tell stories about identity, inclusion, and everyday rituals. For this project, she collaborates with Bo Diversity, an organisation in Breda committed to gender diversity and inclusion. Together, they explored the meaning of ‘waiting’ within this context: from bureaucratic delays to the longing for recognition. This research results in a layered and personal design that invites travellers to reflect and engage in conversation.

Marcus Gurke

19 May until 1 June

During his work period for Waiting Time, Marcus Gurke explores how he can open up new perspectives using colour, imagery, and humour. His work is playful, graphic, and full of references to pop culture and digital visual language – with a sharp eye for the world around him. In collaboration with Petje Af, an organisation dedicated to equal opportunities for children, Marcus gathered stories about waiting for opportunities, change, and visibility. These inputs form the starting point for his painting on the picnic tables. 

Bouke Bruins

9 June until 22 June

As De Boyscout Designer, Bouke creates guerrilla interventions that provoke reactions in city and town centres, aimed at making public spaces more lively, stimulating, and better utilised. For Waiting Time, Bouke investigates the impact of ‘waiting’ within a care context, in collaboration with Ons Label – a social organisation supporting people with a distance from the labour market. They discussed stillness, progress, and the value of seemingly empty moments. These encounters inspired Bouke’s painting of two picnic tables at the station.

Waiting Time is a project by KOP in collaboration with NS and ProRail, with involvement from social partners Buddy to Buddy, Grote Broer Grote Zus, Bo Diversity, Petje Af, and Ons Label.