As I’ve mentioned in this space many times before that Rotterdam is one of my favourite cities in the world and the most underrated city in Europe, in my opinion. And one of the things that I love most about the “Manhattan on the Maas” is its vibrant art scene - young, bold and unpredictable, just like Rotterdam itself. So that’s why I’m circling the week of Feb. 10-14, 2016 on my calendar because that’s when Art Rotterdam Week 2016 will be held. And every contemporary art lover should do the same because Art Rotterdam Week 2016 - the 17th edition of the event - is one of the best in the world and showcases contemporary art from many different points of view.
“As always, this s17th edition brings you the latest developments in visual art in a variety of exhibition concepts,” explains Fons Hofs, Art Rotterdam’s director. “Visitors experience rich diversity in contemporary art production from different points of view: video art at Projections, installations and performances at Intersections, the latest generation of Dutch artists in Prospects & Concepts and young galleries with solo presentations in the New Art Section. With the abundance of ‘young art’ and the well-balanced mix of commercial and non-commercial presentations, Art Rotterdam distinguishes itself from its foreign competitors that much too often have developed into art fairs for millionaires.”
One of the featured exhibits at this year’s event is the “House from Detroit” by Ryan Mendoza - It’s an actual house shipped from the decaying Motor City that artist Mendoza bought and then had shipped to Rotterdam to showcase Detroit’s decline over the decades.
Art Rotterdam attracted 25,000 visitors in 2015 and the 2016 edition will be held again at the Van Nelle Factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours through the characteristic factory complex will take place daily during the art fair. Throughout the festival week, free shuttle busses will be running between the Van Nelle Factory and the other art hotspots in the city: AVL-Mundo, Museum Quarter and Wilhelminapier.
It’s a great event for art lovers so I suggest you book a room at Rotterdam’s chic, but very affordable, Mainport Hotel overlooking the Maas River because rooms will be going fast. For information on the 5-star Mainport, go to http://www.mainporthotel.com/
For more on the Art Rotterdam event, go to http://www.artrotterdamweek.com