Bern-Netzwerk Interview: Bread à porter and Creaviva

I’m very glad we’re able to sit down for this conversation today. But from what I hear, you’re both anything but idle at the moment – right?

Patrik: That’s right – it’s a busy time. We’re currently testing the first batches of our rainbow-coloured “Güetzi” cookies, which we’re creating especially for the EuroGames taking place this summer in Bern. I also launched my new city tour, the “Tour de Pain” – a walk through Bern’s old town filled with stories about bread, bakers and the city’s past and present. It’s been very well received. Participants often tell me afterward that they now shop for and eat bread with much more awareness.

Pia: That sense of awareness is at the heart of one of our current projects as well. We want to reach people where they are – in public spaces – using a striking object that draws attention and includes a QR code. The idea is a photo challenge: to observe and capture patterns and colours in their immediate surroundings. We’re still looking for the right object to carry the message – maybe a “Güetzi”? And this autumn, we’ll be hosting a major three-day conference as part of the “Children in Museums Award”. It’s a big project – but we’re on track, thanks in large part to the Bern Convention Bureau’s support.

When we arrived, we saw the easels set up outdoors – surrounded by some type of grain growing here at Fruchtland.

Pia: Exactly. This year it’s ancient spelt. We actually tried sunflowers before – but the seeds got eaten. So we moved the activity to the community garden and continued with en plein air painting there.

Patrik: Funny story – but also a great one. So what happens with the spelt?

Pia: It definitely gets processed – that’s always the goal. This summer, we’re hosting a series of events at Fruchtland where spelt will be in the spotlight.

Patrik: Well, if you’re still looking for a baker – I’ve got an idea for a clover-shaped spelt bread. And we’ll top it off with a wave design!

Pia: That sounds amazing! We really need to talk earlier in the process. The timing is always so tight – and now it’s already summer. I’ll connect you with the Fruchtland coordinator. A new idea is born – just like that.

There’s definitely more potential here! Patrik, during a Bern Network workshop you said you’d love to stage bread as art. Has the idea developed further?

Patrik: For me, bread is a form of art. I once heard of an artist who casts objects in resin and displays them. So I thought – why not cast one of my “Bsetzi” loaves and embed it into a street in the old town?

Pia: Fascinating! There are so many possibilities – whether in real life, virtual environments, or through mixed (or augmented) reality. Combined with colours and a narrative, you could really tell a story. And to bridge it into the physical world, maybe all you need is a marker on a cobblestone – a QR code that makes the bread pop up virtually.

Patrik: I hadn’t even considered that – great idea! That’s a whole new perspective. I guess I’m still a hands-on kind of craftsman – I like to hold things.

Any other spontaneous ideas on how you could collaborate further? What about a special edition of your bread bags?

Patrik: That’s a great idea! Bread bags are an excellent space for communication. Everyone gets one, everyone takes it home. And if it looks unique, people are more likely to notice and remember it.

Pia: We could even take it further – and have children design them. We’d love to involve them more, and I know they’d be so proud to create something real that’s out in the world. I can imagine parents, grandparents and godparents coming to your shop just to pick up that special edition.

Patrik: That would be the perfect side effect – and it’s something we could implement quickly. I’m already thinking of a name … but we can come up with that together. It also has media potential.

Pia: And we could give something back to the kids, too. Ask them: What does bread mean to me? What inspires me?

Patrik: I’d be really curious to see the outcome. What do children associate with bread? Not in a school-like way, but creatively and freely. That’s how we reach them – and help sharpen their awareness early on.

That’s exactly the kind of story the Bern Network aims to inspire. How do you experience co-developing offers within the network?

Pia: When the campaigns come at the right time, they can really work. For example, during the last cultural autumn, we were able to position our “Blue Hour” course more broadly – and since then, bookings have been great.

Patrik: I’m glad to be part of it and to hear what’s happening. I’m always open and ready – when something clicks, I’m in. Ideas like the bread bag project are super exciting, especially when others help carry them forward.

Pia: For me, it’s also about networking itself – just hearing what’s going on. You can’t expect a concrete result every time – we couldn’t keep up with that. But sometimes, unexpected opportunities come up, like the exhibition at Westside. It might come from a direction you didn’t anticipate – but in the end, it’s a win for everyone.

Patrik: Sometimes it takes two weeks after a session for an idea to pop back into my mind – something two people said that I want to follow up on. Just having the space to exchange ideas with all these people, with a bit of structure, is really valuable. I feel comfortable and appreciate how openly people connect. There’s great potential to grow over time.

Pia: Exactly! And when you add the different venues and the behind-the-scenes insights, it becomes even more exciting. It’s simply fascinating to see and hear what’s going on elsewhere. Thank you for bringing us together like this – it really is inspiring.

Thank you both! I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and helping shape your ideas.