AMSTERDAM.- Throughout the Amsterdam Art Weekend, from 22-25 November, Amsterdam is all about contemporary art. The event allows both art professionals from all over the globe and a new generation of art enthusiasts to get acquainted with the latest developments in contemporary art. Amsterdam’s reputation as a breeding ground for talent and as an international knowledge centre, is upheld during Amsterdam Art Weekend by the programmes of participating institutions such as the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten and various galleries. This edition is the first one led by the new director, Caroline Vos, who used to work for the Van Gogh Museum and Stichting Museumnacht Amsterdam.

‘Amsterdam Art, the organisation behind the Art Weekend, works year-round to generate exposure for the diverse range of high-quality contemporary art. Not just among art professionals worldwide, but also among a new generation of art enthusiasts. By connecting contemporary art to current and recognisable topics such as inclusivity and new media, we expect to attract a younger audience this year as well.’ Caroline Vos, director Amsterdam Art.

More diverse programme than ever
During Amsterdam Art Weekend, 52 cultural institutions present a diverse programme. Various galleries present new exhibitions and an enriching programme of artist talks and performances. The opening of Amsterdam Art Weekend is held in collaboration with the RijksakademieOPEN, the annual moment when the artist studios of Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten are open to the public. At Eye Filmmuseum, visitors can enjoy a performance by artist Ryoji Ikeda and at the Oude Kerk one can experience the latest sound work by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. Foam presents the exhibit ‘Next Level: Persijn Broersen & Margit Lukács – Point Cloud, Old Growth’. And Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, various project spaces and Printing Plant: Art Book Fair by Looiersgracht 60 takes part in the Art Weekend as well.

Current themes: inclusivity and representation
Amsterdam Art Weekend also constitutes the moment when art professionals from all over the world meet to discuss current themes. During Amsterdam Art x ArtReview Conference: Revising the past, reimagining the future, an international collective of artists, curators and collectors discusses the increasing need for an inclusive art history. Speakers include: Imara Limon (curator Amsterdam Museum), Patricia Kaersenhout (artist and activist) and Annette Schönholzer (coach and consultant with .connect the dots, former director with Art Basel) and Kenny Schachter (writer, curator, art trader).

Contemporary art is also accessible to a broad and young audience
Amsterdam Art Weekend also offers an interesting programme for a broad and young audience. The Gallery Night constitutes the perfect opportunity for them to discover the Amsterdam galleries. To give the Gallery Night extra emotional value, Amsterdam Art collaborates with the young organisation ODAM (One Day A Month) this year. Huize Frankendael presents an exhibit with work by young collectors and the video programme in collaboration with IDFA ‘In your head’ is supervised by young curator Zippora Elders (1986). Amsterdam Art also launches a video campaign in collaboration with KunstKoop, in order to attract a new generation of art buyers.

Stichting Amsterdam Art
Stichting Amsterdam Art functions as a catalyst and a compass for contemporary art. The organisation works with important national and international art and cultural institutions year-round. It aims to highlight the unique character of Amsterdam as a creative and cultural city together. Due to the reach and expertise of the Foundation, it is perfectly equipped to generate continuous public interest in the metropolitan offering of contemporary art. Stichting Amsterdam Art is the initiator and coordinator of Amsterdam Art Weekend, the only contemporary art weekend in the city, attracting over 45,000 visitors each year.