In 2016 the Stedelijk Museum and Ammodo will begin to research a new contemporary art venue in Amsterdam. This institute will be a repositioning of Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam (SMBA).

The public kick-off of this project took place at the Stedelijk Museum on June 19. The meeting was dedicated to the exploration of current key themes in Amsterdam’s contemporary art world. The programme description was as follows:

The event will address the question how this new institute, which will focus on experimentation and the presentation of young talent, can be positioned with regard to the current range of presentation institutions and (interdisciplinary) cultural initiatives. Which changes have taken place in recent decades within the cultural and social context and infrastructure at local, national and international levels? What are the relevant issues, and to whom, and on which terms? These and related questions will form the basis of the study and of this kick-off meeting.

The research begins at an interesting time, when national, regional and local authorities are deciding on the funding of cultural institutions for the 2017-2020 period. These decisions are accompanied by normative statements on art and its various platforms. For this reason it is now particularly important to examine the existing artistic climate in the city and, based on the results of the research project, to contribute to this climate.

1.30 – 2.15 pm Welcome & Introduction Beatrix Ruf

2.15 – 3.30 Round Table I: The Amsterdam Art Field

Discussion about the field of contemporary art in Amsterdam with representatives from cultural institutions

Rieke Vos (NDSM), Bas Hendrikx (P////AKT), Bart Stuart (W139), Josien Pieterse (Framer Framed), Touria Meliani (Tolhuistuin), Theo Tegelaars (TAAK), Annet Zondervan (director CBK Zuidoost).

4.15 – 4.30 Column Arjen Reinders

4.30 – 5.30 Round Table II: Artists and Context

Representatives with an academic, artistic or post academic background, artists and union leaders will discuss the desired criteria for the new institution.

Ilse van Rijn (Jan van Eyck Academie, Gerrit Rietveld Academie en UvA/ASCA), Barbara Visser (artist, chairman of the Akademie van Kunsten, KNAW), Vincent van Velsen (writer, researcher and curator), Jack Segbars (board member of Platform BK), Ad de Jong (artist and founder of W139), Sander Breure en Witte van Hulzen (artists).