Archief – Sonsbeek

Would you like to help with the Sonsbeek archive?

Sonsbeek has a remarkable history, which begs to be archived and shared. In 2019, a start was made to build a Sonsbeek archive, in collaboratio with our publics, creative makers and thinkers, and various partners from the Gelders Archief, to cultural centre Rozet, and ArtEZ. In doing so, stories, experiences (oral history), and objects are archived.  

Do you have something about Sonsbeek that you would like to share, or digitise for the Sonsbeek archive? Or experiences and memories you would like to share? Please let us know! You can contact Petra at petra@sonsbeek.org

Did you know that most of the archival material is at the Gelders Archief in Arnhem? If you would like to know more about an edition, artwork or artist, we recommend using the search tool on the website of the Gelders Archief. Hier vind je een link.

 Stay tuned to see the archive grow, and learn more about exceptional, sometimes hidden, histories.

Archive vitrine in collaboration with Rozet

Vanaf Since the end of 2024, we working closely together with Rozet again to exhibit special archival material from the Sonsbeek archive. In one of the vitrines, along the stairs to the 5th floor, you are able to see the archival material. A few times a year, the display will be altered.

From 5 December 2024 until 5 April 2025, the carefully gathered and stored material of Valentino Dorigo will be on display. A volunteer during Sonsbeek 2001 and Sonsbeek 2008, Valentino was closely involved in Sonsbeek for quite some time. His personal archive consists of 4 folders with lots of different information on Sonsbeek 2001, such as press clippings, information on various public programme, and even unique photos and gloves. His daughter Marlies explains: 'Valentino worked as a volunteer during several exhbitions. He became a sort of pater familias and a connector. He was always there and shared many of his experiences as stories in e-mails. Hij really had a blast together with the artists and visitors.'
Dochter Marlies vertelt: ‘Valentino heeft een aantal jaren als vrijwilliger tijdens de tentoonstellingen gewerkt. Hij werd een beetje een pater familias en verbinder. Hij was er heel veel en via e-mails deelde hij zijn belevenissen in verhaalvorm. Hij heeft echt veel levensvreugde gehad en gemaakt met de kunstenaars en bezoekers.’

Cycling route old Sonsbeek artworks

In 2021, together with Theo Brink of the Stichting Kunst in de Publieke Ruimte Arnhem, Sonsbeek presented a cycling route through Arnhem, including old Sonsbeek works which are still visible in public spaces in Arnhem. The route starts at the Molenplaats at park Sonsbeek, and takes you to no less than 30 previous Sonsbeek works. From almost every past Sonsbeek edition, a work is included: it is as if you are cycling through history, from the war monument of Nel Klaassen of Sonsbeek '49 to the ping pong table of Louie Cordero from Sonsbeek '16: transACTION. Who knows new works will be added in the future!
In addition to the artworks, you will see a lot of Arnhem. You will go through park Sonsbeek, cemetery Moscowa, Presikhaaf, the Rhine river and bridge, and even the south of Arnhem. The route itself is about 25 kilometers, but you can decide to cycle a part of the route, or do the route in several stages.
The booklet is free to download below. There is also  a map designed by Theo Brink, showing all the artworks.
Please note: it is no longer allowed to cycle in park Sonsbeek. This cycling route was connected to Sonsbeek 2021, and is therefore slighty outdated.