Wachttijd - Open studio at Breda station

Everyone waits. But what does waiting time mean to you? For some, it is a breath of fresh air; for others, a source of frustration or uncertainty. In the project Wachttijd, five young artists work together with social organisations to explore what waiting means in different lives. Their reflections are expressed through the painting of ten picnic tables at Breda Centraal station – places where travellers, incidental passers-by, and local residents cross paths.

From March to June, one artist works live for two weeks at the station in a temporary studio on the Belcrum side. Visitors are welcome to observe the creative process up close. Do you see the folding board outside? Then the artist is at work.

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

Marcus Gurke

19 May to 1 June

During his working period for Wachttijd, Marcus Gurke explores how he can open up new perspectives through colour, imagery, and humour. His work is playful, graphic, and full of references to pop culture and digital image language – all with a sharp eye for the world around him. In collaboration with Petje Af, an organisation committed to equal opportunities for children, Marcus collected stories about waiting for chances, change, and visibility. This input forms the starting point for his painting on the picnic tables.

Bouke Bruins

9 June to 22 June

As De Boyscout Designer, Bouke creates guerrilla interventions aimed at provoking reactions in towns and villages, fostering a happier, more stimulating, and better-utilised public space. For Wachttijd, Bouke investigates the impact of ‘waiting’ within a healthcare context, in collaboration with Ons Label – a social organisation supporting people with a distance to the labour market. Together, they discussed stagnation, progress, and the value of seemingly empty moments. These conversations inspire Bouke’s painting of two picnic tables at the station.

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