Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Sint-Niklaas, artist Ingels placed 5 giant pencils, made from ash tree trunks, as part of “Pencil Trees,” previewing the Archipel literary festival (Oct 17–19, 2025).
As VRT News reported, in Sint-Niklaas, several giant pencils have been placed across the city as part of a new public art project. The installation is made from 5 ash tree trunks that were felled under European sustainability regulations.
“The pencil symbolises the first word, the first line, and the first thought. It ties in perfectly with the theme of Archipel: beginning,”
says Ingels.
“It also refers to our childhood, where drawing and writing are a form of discovery.”
What do Giant pencils by Ingels mean for Archipel 2025 in Sint-Niklaas?
Since Thursday, Sep 4, 2025, Sint-Niklaas has displayed 5 giant pencils in different parts of the city. The sculptures shaped by artist Ingels have been placed at the library on Heymanplein, the cultural centre, Stationsplein, Hofstraat, and the entrance to Waasland Shopping. The installation, called Pencil Trees, serves as a preview of the Archipel literary festival and is meant to draw public attention.
The Archipel festival will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, Saturday, October 18, 2025, and Sunday, October 19, 2025. It is an annual gathering in Sint-Niklaas that brings together writers, artists, and readers around a central theme. This year’s theme is ‘beginning’, and refers to the beginning of a book, as well as the opening of new thoughts, ideas, and dreams.
The Archipel literary festival has been part of Sint-Niklaas since 2004 and has developed into an important cultural event for the city and region. Each year, the festival focuses on a central theme that is explored through readings, debates, workshops, and stage performances.
Local cultural partners work with the organisers to bring together writers, artists, and readers in a shared program. Over the past 2 decades, Archipel has welcomed both renowned authors and new talents from Belgium and abroad.
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