New poem by Groningen poet brightens up Provincial House facade
Residents and visitors in Groningen can now enjoy a fresh poem on the Provincial House facade. The latest work, Pars pro toto by Michael ter Maat, adds cultural charm to the city’s streets, inviting passersby to pause and appreciate local art and language.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Poem Title | Pars pro toto |
| Poet | Michael ter Maat |
| Illustrator | Merel Djamila |
| Location | Turfsingel, Groningen (Provincial House facade) |
| Initiative | Poetry Display Case |
| Organizers | Province of Groningen & Stichting Straatpoëzie Groningen |
| Annual Tradition Since | 2022 |
| Previous Poets | Kasper Peters, Guillaume Pool, Aly Freije |
The Province of Groningen promotes cultural initiatives like the Poetry Display Case to enhance public spaces and engage citizens with art. This project reflects the province’s commitment to making poetry accessible and enriching urban environments.
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Unveiling of new poem in Poetry Display Case at the Provincial House
The Province of Groningen has today unveiled a new poem in the Poetry Display Case on the side of the Provincial House. Deputy Susan Top unveiled the poem Pars pro toto by Groningen poet Michael ter Maat. The illustration accompanying the poem was created by Merel Djamila. The poem can now be viewed by everyone on the Turfsingel, on the façade of the Provincial House.
Annual tradition with Groningen poets
Since 2022, a Groningen poet has been featured in the Poetry Display Case each year. Previous poems have included works by Kasper Peters, Guillaume Pool, and Aly Freije. This year, Michael ter Maat was chosen. He writes poetry and stories, leads workshops for young and old, and published his debut collection Demarcaties in 2025. His work showcases the richness and diversity of Groningen poetry.
Poetry visible to everyone in the city
The Poetry Display Case is an initiative of the Province of Groningen and the Stichting Straatpoëzie Groningen (Street Poetry Foundation Groningen). The display case makes poetry visible in public spaces. Anyone walking or cycling along the Turfsingel in Groningen can view the poem. The province aims to encourage residents and visitors to pause for a moment and engage with language and art in the city.
Contribution to an attractive environment
With the Poetry Display Case, the province is investing in an attractive and cultural environment. The poem becomes a permanent part of the streetscape and invites passersby to experience the Provincial House in a new way.