Discover Give Music a Face on the Shoe Scrapers Art Route in Tilburg

The shoe scraper art route in Tilburg is a unique experience for anyone who loves art, music, and exploring the city. Starting November 22nd, the Dwaalgebied (Wandering Area) will be the setting for a special route showcasing art on historic shoe scrapers. As a participant, my project "Give Music a Face" will demonstrate how music and image can intertwine and enhance each other.

What are shoe scrapers?

Shoe scrapers are small plates or paving stones that used to be found at the entrances of houses and buildings. They were used to scrape mud, dirt, and grass from shoes before entering, the precursor to today's doormat. They are still often found in city centers and now provide a surprising canvas for artwork.

For this Shoe Scrapers Art Route, the panels are used as small supports that present art in an accessible and intimate way in public spaces. As you stroll past the shoe scrapers, you'll continually discover new works that challenge you to look, listen, and feel.

The concept Give Music a Face

My contribution to the art route revolves around Give Music a Face : a project that explores what happens when music is given a face and images begin to resonate. The idea is simple yet powerful: music can evoke emotions that can be visually translated, while an image can simultaneously enhance the atmosphere of a song.

Give Music a Face creates a dialogue between sound and image. Rhythm, color, emotion, and atmosphere intertwine to create an experience that transcends a traditional art exhibition. The audience is invited to reflect on what they see and hear, creating a new layer of meaning.

The artworks and the music

For the Shoe Scrapers Art Route, I've selected four artworks, each paired with a musical number that enhances the work's atmosphere or feeling:

• Myth – linked to Myth from Beachhouse
• Winter Fur – linked to Miley Cyrus' Secrets
• Noh Player – linked to Gackt's Last Song
• Dawn – linked to U2's City of Blinding Lights

Each work is printed on aluminum, creating a sleek and durable presentation in public spaces. A Spotify QR code on the shoe scraper allows you to listen to the corresponding song, creating a dynamic interplay between what you see and hear. Sometimes the music forms the basis of the artwork, sometimes the connection only emerges later in the creative process.

Experience and interaction

The unique thing about "Give Music a Face" on the shoe scrapers is that the audience is actively invited to participate in the experience. By scanning the QR codes, you listen to the music while viewing the image, creating an intimate, sensory experience, even in the middle of the street.

The Dwaalgebied (Wandering Area) is the perfect setting for this concept. It's a place where culture, stories, and audiences converge. As you stroll past the shoe scrapers, you'll discover the city in a new way and get to know Tilburg's creative talent.

Discover the route

The shoe scrapers art route invites you on a scavenger hunt through the Dwaalgebied (Wandering Area). Follow the shoe scrapers through the streets and be amazed by the various artworks. In addition to my project, several artists will be present, displaying their own works on these unique historical media.

A route past the shoe scrapers is not only a way to experience art but also to learn more about Tilburg's history. Each work is a moment of discovery, where image and sound together tell a story that invites personal interpretation.

Why you don't want to miss this

• Unique combination of art and music: Each artwork has a direct auditory element via Spotify, adding an extra dimension to the experience.
• Interactive and sensory: Visitors look, listen and feel, making art more than just a visual experience.
• Historical context: The shoe scrapers connect art with the history of Tilburg and the function of these special objects.
• Discover the city: The Dwaalgebied offers a charming and historic setting, making the route also a stroll through the city centre.
• Share your experience: Take a photo of your favorite work and share it on social media with #givemusicaface or #kojoart .

Practical information

• Location: Wandering area, Tilburg
• Date: from November 22, 2025
• Route: follow the shoe scrapers and discover all participating artists

The combination of visual work and music creates an experience that can be interpreted and experienced in a personal way. Give Music a Face invites an active dialogue between creator and audience, where art and music reinforce each other and bring the city to life.

Finally

The Shoe Scrapers Art Route in Tilburg is more than just an exhibition. It's a journey of discovery where you walk past historic shoe scrapers and experience artworks connected to music. My project, "Give Music a Face," makes this experience tangible, sensory, and personal.

Be amazed by the combination of sights and sounds, discover hidden spots in the Dwaalgebied (Wandering Area), and experience art in a new way. Walk the route, listen to the songs, view the artworks, and share your experience. Tilburg awaits you!