Colour Stories. Evolving journeys: the art of flax & linen

Partners: Brink! (Belfast, Northern Ireland) and artpark Hoher (Schermbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia)

Image © Arts Council of Northern Ireland

"Cultural Bridge has allowed artpark Hoher Berg and Brink! to build a partnership that feels both natural and inspiring. In our first step, we came together through our shared work with colors and dye gardens, exchanging knowledge and learning from each other. This connection led us to the next step—discovering flax together and bringing our traditional, sustainable crafts into dialogue. This exchange has strengthened our bond, sparked new ideas, and opened doors to unexpected possibilities. We look forward to continuing this journey—honoring heritage, embracing innovation, and discovering new ways to grow together.”

Stefanie Nowoczin, artpark Hoher Berg

Colour Stories. Evolving journeys: the art of flax & linen is a Tier Two partnership previously supported by Cultural Bridge. Find out more about their Tier One partnership.

About the partners

Brink!

We work and play at the point of change exploring new ways to think and act in our city. We are a platform for discussion, education and action centred on the issues of climate breakdown.

Driven by creative voices we consider new ways of living more connected, healthy, sustainable, and resilient lives in a rapidly changing environment.

Creative thinkers change how we see things. Artistic endeavour gives us permission to break the rules, to look at things from a different viewpoint, challenge the norm and step into the unknown before it is laid out.

artpark Hoher Berg is an experimental cultural lab in NRW, merging the Ruhr’s urban energy with the scenic Lower Rhine. Spanning 8,000 sqm, it fosters cultural diversity, biodiversity & transdisciplinary dialogue, uniting art & nature. Its dyer’s garden showcases ecological diversity & sustainability, reconnecting visitors with nature. Guided by the motto “always free of charge and politically incorrect,” artpark celebrates boundless creativity. With art installations, an exhibition hall, teaching studios & Bernd Caspar Dietrich’s atelier, it’s a haven for artistic exploration. Welcoming 12,000 visitors last season & hosting regular university courses, it underscores its role in education and accessibility. Celebrating 10 years as a non-profit, artpark is an RCE-Ruhr-certified UN University branch, promoting sustainability & social dialogue. Through its artist-in- residence program & global partnerships artpark strengthens its impact as a cultural bridge & international exchange hub.