When sailing against the incoming or outgoing tide proved futile, ships would drop anchor and await the current's shift. In Dutch, this pause is called tijstoppen, a resting time governed by the rhythm of the river.

By embracing this fluid and poetic logic the exhibition presents old and new works that reflect on a closer relationship with the Schelde. Alongside each other they form a temporary map of our cultural and ecological connections with the river.

With artistic contributions by: Carmen Molenaar, Samantha Pellarini, Kiara Govaert, Nina-Joy Thielemans, Niel de Vries, ...

Schelde Imaginaries is an art and research residency centered on the River Scheldt, developed by artists Nina-Joy Thielemans and Niel de Vries in collaboration with the Cultureel Centerum Stadsmagazijn. From March to June 2026, a three-part program is organized, including an excursion in the Scheldt basin, artistic interventions in the Ruien, and the final exhibition 'Tijstoppen'. During its course, the project has a physical base in Ernest Claesstraat 12 on the left bank of Antwerp.