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From Beyond Social

Are we able to create an Inclusive City? Are creative entrepreneurs able to contribute to this inclusive development of the city? And what does that mean for art and design education in general and in Rotterdam in particular? These questions are at the core of a multi-year programme 'Line 23' in three districts of Rotterdam and subject of the upcoming Beyond Social Event on February 9, 2017 in Het Nieuwe Instituut. Students, civic and professional partners, WdKA staff and other experts will debate on the basis of concrete projects the (im)possibility to be of significance for an inclusive city. This editorial will lead you to all information about the programme and the event

City of contrasts

Rotterdam may call itself a metropolis. The underdog with its many nationalities seems to reinvent itself. The dynamics of the city is noted far beyond the country's borders. But how is it experienced in the city itself? What prospects provide these dynamics for residents of the city? Optimistic Rotterdam describe the DNA of their town already for years as 'entrepreneurial', 'raw' and 'international'. With boldness the city positions itself as a frontrunner of 'The Next Economy'. Others do not see it. For them, Rotterdam is still the city where ‘Urban Problems’ is written in capitals, with a raw reality of inequality and exclusion. Also and especially for the young culturally diverse generation. Like many 'metropoles' Rotterdam is a city of contrasts. Both perspectives are true. But are they also compatible?

Inclusive development?

Does something like an inclusive development of the city exist? What are then the rules? Is there a positive perspective for the young generation of culturally diverse Rotterdam? Will the new generation of creative entrepreneurs be able to contribute to an inclusive development? How WdKA could then optimally contribute?

Multi-year program 'Line 23'

In the coming years the Willem de Kooning Academy will address these questions and translate them in a concrete programme. Last year, a start has been made with the multi-year program in three districts of Rotterdam. Students specializing in social art and design have been joining social initiatives or came up with new propositions themselves.

Context and partners

The programmes are implemented in the neighbourhood’s Bospolder-Tussendijke / M4H-area (Delfshaven), Afrikaanderwijk (Feijenoord) and Beverwaard (IJsselmonde), with partners such as CultuurConcreet, Bouwkeet, Delfshaven Coöperatie, Bibliotheek Rotterdam, Freehouse/ Wijkcooperatie Afrikaanderwijk, Veldacademie, IJsselwijs and Erasmus MC.

Beyond Social Event - February 2017

Check this website the coming weeks for more information about the designers presenting their work and experts reflecting on it. Next week we will provide a link for registration. Admission is free.