ONSbank

Gives you wings

The Dutch 17th century Boedelkamer is exemplary of the immense change in the attitude towards debtors at that time. From then on, they were no longer sentenced to death, but got an opportunity to come to an agreement with their creditors, in this so called Boedelkamer. This radical change in thinking was underlined with two art pieces: a relief of a falling Icarus above the door, and a painting of castaway Odysseus on Nausicaa’s beach.

In 2016, ONSbank was rooting for a more humane approach towards debtors. They advocated a so called ‘debt free period’ and worked with debtors on art projects in order to help them regain their self-esteem. Just like in the 17th century, this radically changing approach should be explicitly visible: we adopted the symbolism. On the outside, we chose the emblematic wing, in pop-art proportions. It refers to mother’s wings, but also the wings you need to make things happen. On the inside, we created a hospitable space that showcases the new approach: a workshop shows the participants’ creations and a comfortable couch in a ‘debt free’ space offers the intimate atmosphere needed for an open conversation. Different spaces with their own character support the participants’ process towards a sustainable solution.