A new chapter in Rotterdam's cultural landscape unfolds as the Levenslust Academie emerges, marking a collaboration between Pluspunt and Brutus to blend art into society's fabric.
Levenslust Academie: a fusion of art and community
In a significant collaboration between Pluspunt and Brutus, a new initiative has been launched in Rotterdam, known as the Levenslust Academie. This partnership aims to introduce art into the broader society, focusing on the inclusivity of cultural participation. The academy represents a social-artistic venture that began in September 2023, where individuals from Pluspunt, alongside professional artists, have come together to explore creative and expressive skills over six months. The initial outcomes of this collaboration are on display at Brutus from 11 to 25 February 2024.
The Levenslust Academie stands as a pioneering programme, functioning as a catalyst, experimental ground, and precursor to a future inclusive education and cultural centre. This project fosters close collaboration between Rotterdam's residents in vulnerable positions and artists, architects, and designers, bridging the gap between different societal segments through art.
Results from collaboration with artist Daan den Houter
Exhibition and collaboration
The exhibition at Brutus showcases the work produced by Pluspunt participants in collaboration with professional artists, highlighting the academy's inclusive nature. This venture not only aims to develop survival skills among Pluspunt participants but also enriches the artistic professionals' practice with fresh perspectives and insights. The blend of professional and personal knowledge and experience in creating artworks signifies a significant step towards integrating art into society.
“Everyone is an artist,” famously stated by Joseph Beuys in 1967, underscores the belief that everyone has the potential to engage with art. This project echoes the sentiment that art should not be confined to professionals, but is a domain accessible to all, capable of adding value to the world and enriching personal well-being.
Visit and explore
The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from 15 to 25 February 2024, from Thursday to Sunday, between 12.00 and 18.00 hours. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the diverse outcomes of this creative collaboration.
About Pluspunt and Brutus
Pluspunt operates as a support, learning, and work collective for Rotterdam's residents needing a helping hand and those willing to contribute. Brutus, on the other hand, is an artist-driven playground, renowned as the largest contemporary art institution in the Netherlands, offering a space for artists to experiment and exhibit their work.
Directions to Brutus
For those interested in visiting the exhibition, Brutus is located at Keileweg 10 to 18, nestled in the transformative creative harbour area of Rotterdam. This venue boasts 6000m2 of raw, unpolished exhibition spaces, alongside the Brutus Lab with a residency and various workspaces, and the freely accessible sculpture garden, Brutus Garden.
