Codarts and de Doelen are formalising and deepening their collaboration. Whereas their relationship was previously most tangible through the physical connection between their buildings in the heart of the city, the two organisations are now taking the next step. Through a strategic partnership running until at least 2030, they aim to forge closer links between education, professional practice and research. At the same time, they seek to increase their joint significance for audiences and the city of Rotterdam. In doing so, the partnership reflects a broader development within the Dutch cultural sector, in which collaboration, accessibility and social impact are becoming increasingly important.
Early exposure to professional practice
The renewed partnership broadens the relationship between the two organisations. It is no longer simply about sharing spaces and facilities, but above all about bringing education and professional practice closer together. For Codarts, this includes strengthening the connection between the curriculum and professional practice and creating more opportunities for internships, assignments and professional experience.
David Lauwen, Chair of the Executive Board of Codarts, says: ‘Professional practice is already firmly embedded in our education. Through our partnership with de Doelen, we are expanding that network and giving students additional opportunities to gain experience on a major stage in the city and to connect with professionals working in the field.’
Space for new artistic ideas
For its part, de Doelen gains a more structural connection with new generations of makers, performing artists and arts educators, and aims to create space for new artistic ideas and forms of presentation.
Edo Righini, Managing Director of de Doelen, says: ‘For us, it is valuable for young talent not only to perform on our stages, but also to rehearse, experiment and meet audiences here. This keeps us evolving as a venue and creates space for new ideas to be developed here in our building and shared directly with the city.’
Bringing together art and wellbeing
Research will also have a prominent place within the partnership. Through its professorship Arts & Wellbeing, Codarts conducts research at the intersection of the performing arts and mental and physical health. For example, research involving people with personality disorders or neurodegenerative conditions such as Korsakoff syndrome and Parkinson’s disease.
The partnership with de Doelen creates new opportunities in this area, in part through its direct relationship with audiences and the city. One illustration of the importance of this work is the Delta Premium previously awarded to Professor Janine Stubbe for her pioneering research into the physical and mental health of performing artists.
Cultural richness
Ultimately, Codarts and de Doelen also aim to contribute to a stronger cultural ecosystem in Rotterdam.
‘We want to make the best possible use of the shared foundation we have in the city. It should become an open cultural hub where students and teachers, as well as professional artists and visitors, can meet. This means that throughout the day, public rehearsals, concerts, conferences and research activities will increasingly take place alongside and in interaction with one another. In this way, we will make Rotterdam’s cultural richness more visible and accessible to a broad audience,’ David and Edo say.