20/01/2025

This case study is part of CREARE Social research conducted by Lyudmila Petrova and Arjo Klamer for GLAMMONS project.

Read more about case #5:

The Vrij Paleis (Free Palace) in Amsterdam.

The origins of Vrij Paleis

The Vrij Paleis began in the late 1970s, when a group of artists took over the empty printing house after a major newspaper – that was once printed up until the late 1970s – left the building. The city council saw the value in maintaining a creative space in the city centre and facilitated the establishment of a foundation to own the building, ensuring that it would remain a non-commercial venue. Today, around 30 artists, craftspeople, filmmakers, designers and other creatives work together, sharing six studios and a common space for exhibitions and events.

The role of co-creation and collaboration

At the core of Vrij Paleis’ activities is a strong commitment to co-creation and collective ownership. Members share the physical space and are involved in organising exhibitions, workshops and events. This collaborative process extends beyond artistic creation to the day-to-day management of the space, where members of the collective contribute equally to the upkeep and running of the space without monetary compensation. This non-commercial approach remains an example of a thriving, independent art collective in a city where commercial forces tend to dominate the art market.

Vrij Paleis’ role in Amsterdam’s cultural landscape

Over the decades, Vrij Paleis has become an integral part of Amsterdam’s cultural infrastructure. It has made a significant contribution to the city’s alternative cultural scene, supporting experimental art, unconventional performances and grassroots artistic initiatives.

While other cultural spaces in the city have been taken over by commercial entities, Vrij Paleis remains a space of artistic freedom, demonstrating that it is possible to maintain a thriving artistic space without the pressures of commercialisation. It continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural diversity and innovation, not only through its exhibitions, but also by fostering a dynamic community of artists who contribute to the creative energy of the city.

Do you have a similar collaboration? We want to learn from your experiences.  Feel free to leave your comment.