N8/NACHTSALON
MARITIEM MUSEUM
ARTEZ VK
BOEMKLATSCH
EKKO
FOAM
FRESHCOTTON
LEK LAAT LIVE
SINGERSWEATSHOP
SPASS
STUDIO MOLEN
YOUR CITY
PAL MAAS
Hoogstraat 170
3011 PV Rotterdam
The Netherlands
mail@studiospass.com
+31 (6) 46155854
Exhibition design FLORIDA
Studio Spass designed the exhibition : FLORIDA in het Gemaal op Zuid
New artists’ initiatives in Rotterdam Zuid; De Player, ADA,
SENSATIONAL MIX, NAC. A research exhibition by TENT.Rotterdam.
It is conspicuous that increasing numbers of artists have been establishing themselves in the south of Rotterdam in recent years. A district such as Charlois has even been called an artists’ district: in a short period of time a network of presentation spaces initiated by artists has evolved. They establish themselves next to the local shop, the sex shop or the police station, in old shops, commercial properties and schools. They are often small-scale initiatives focused on experimentation in art. Informal places in which they personally relate to their surroundings and the public through their work. What drives them?
The research exhibition Florida presents diverse examples of the working practices of these regenerative artists’ initiatives. The initiatives use ‘t Gemaal as a platform to exchange their ideas and work with visitors and with each other. Each initiative occupies ‘t Gemaal for one week and connects its activities in ‘t Gemaal with the programme in their own location. The collective ADA, which allows the public to participate in their research as art; NAC, which redevelops apartment blocks for art almost as a property developer, and De Player, which links international sound art with Rotterdam Zuid.
With the research exhibition Florida, TENT. aims to map out the connections and identities of these new initiatives. In the coming years, the southern district of Rotterdam will experience far-reaching renovation. What might art contribute materially and intrinsically to the quality of Rotterdam Zuid? The well-known ‘Creative Class’ theory of Richard Florida is often used to legitimise the policy of locating creative entrepreneurs in residential areas. But what do artists themselves seek in this changing district? How do they see their relationship with the public and their role in Rotterdam Zuid?
Client: TENT. Rotterdam , 2009/2010
Copyright 2008 by StudioSpass v.o.f.