Naum Gabo, untitled (1957). Photo: Jannes Linders
Willem de Kooning, Seated Woman (1970). Photo: Jannes Linders
A vibrant art climate in Rotterdam
We do this together with makers, partners and residents of the city. We are in the middle of the city and feel involved in what is happening in the city. We stimulate artists in many ways to create new work and develop a new language and joint initiatives. Together with the artists, residents and visitors of the city and our partners, we shape a dream city.
Based on the motivation, experience and involvement of residents, artists and other stakeholders, we work on a city in which we want to live together. A city in which imagination and versatility have an inescapable place. And in doing so, we focus on our core qualities, interaction and involvement.
A city where imagination
and versatility a
have an inescapable place.
Art exists by the grace of a free exchange of ideas - sometimes deepening, sometimes enriching, sometimes abrasive. Art offers contemporary insights and perspectives, with which people can find each other or better understand different positions. Visual art has played an important role in Rotterdam since the first day of the Reconstruction. CBK Rotterdam is committed to this: from Hoek van Holland to Nesselande, from Rotterdam Center to IJsselmonde with the aim of creating and maintaining a climate in which art in Rotterdam can continue to develop and is and remains relevant for everyone.
We are working on a vibrant art climate in Rotterdam through four programs:
Florentijn Hofman, Bospolder fox (2020). Photo: Otto Snoek
BKOR (Visual Arts & Public Space)
Beeldende Kunst & Openbare Ruimte (BKOR) manages the extensive collection of sculptures in the public space of Rotterdam. We advise the municipality, citizens and artists with regard to the realization and (re)location of public works of art. In our documentation center we collect knowledge and information about the collection. We also bring the collection to the attention of the public with route maps and guided tours.
More information: www.bkor.nl
Thomas J Price, Moments Contained (2023). Photo: Aad Hoogendoorn
SIR (Sculpture International Rotterdam)
Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR) is involved in the management and renewal of a unique international sculpture collection of more than 50 public artworks on the so-called main lines of the city. In addition, we annually compile an extensive activities program with performances, films, temporary sculptures and research in the field of art in the public space of Rotterdam. Together with BKOR, SIR organizes a number of activities to bring the sculptures to the attention of a broad audience.
More information: www.sculptureinternationalrotterdam.nl
Hyunji Jun, PPR publication (2022). Photo: Mark Bolk
Art Office
Art Office is there for the visual artist. With our financial arrangements, (network) meetings and online community, we offer Rotterdam artists the space to professionalize, develop and make their professional practice visible. Over 2000 artists are registered with Art Office.
More information: www.artoffice.info
Video installation Leopold/Emmen in the exhibition A Dream about this House Once in a While, TENT (2023). Photo: Aad Hoogendoorn.
TENT Rotterdam
The topicality of art from a Rotterdam perspective is central to TENT. Striking developments and innovative artists in the context of Rotterdam are signalled and presented there. The exhibitions, openings and events are visited by a large group of visitors. TENT is a dynamic platform with national fame and has a connecting role in the Rotterdam art sector. TENT aims to place contemporary art in a broader social and global perspective.
More information: www.tentrotterdam.nl
History
In 1982, Centrum Beeldende Kunst Rotterdam was founded and set itself the goal of putting the visual arts on the map and supporting artists in their professional practice. In particular by implementing the Visual Artists Regulation (BKR) and the Percentage Regulation. The Artotheek, which had already been founded in the seventies, also came to us.
When the BKR ceased in 1987, it was replaced by individual artist grants, an exhibition space and a public art policy was further developed (BKOR).
Our implementation of CBK Rotterdam changed, but the central task remained stimulating visual arts and supporting artists. Among other things, by starting a Rotterdam exhibition platform on the Nieuwe Binnenweg and later Villa Alckmaer. From 1999 this became TENT. TENT moved to the Witte de Withstraat 50 and developed into the presentation location for Rotterdam contemporary art. As of 2024, TENT will have moved to Coolhaven 34.
On January 1, 2006, we – previously CBK Rotterdam was a municipal branch of service – became independent as a foundation with a Supervisory Board. In 2013, we moved from the Nieuwe Binnenweg to the Eendrachtsstraat and Sculpture International Rotterdam also moved into the same building.