Note for the reader: The non-exhaustive list below highlights some of the cornerstones of artistic practice in Middelburg and Zeeland that have the potential to create a rich ecosystem. The track had the pleasure to interact with most of these over the years, except those marked with an *. The latter remained on the track's wish list, due to different circumstances.
Summerschool Drawing in Conceptual Art @CBKZeeland
The summer Course 'Drawing in Conceptual Art' was an initiative of art historian Hans Bloemsma. Part of Utrecht Summerschool, the summerschool was organised by University College Roosevelt from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2014 and took place in partnership with CBK Zeeland in Middelburg. The course was taught by the artists Piet Dieleman, Martin Grosz, Marijn van Kreij, Sandra Kruisbrink and Marc Nagtzaam and aimed to have students explore the
Teekenakademie
Gebouw van de teekenacademie aan de Latijnseschoolstraat in Middelburg, ca. 1984, tekeningen en prenten, ZB, Beeldbank Zeeland, recordnr. 1597
Sept 2015. Middelburg based Book restaurator Marijn van de Valk holds up a book about the former Teekenakedemie (trans. drawing academy) of Middelburg (1778-1867). She and her husband Jan are the proud new owners of Latijnse Schoolstraat 10/12, which formerly housed the academy, and before that the Royal Scientific Society of Zeeland (KZGW). By coincidence, UCR artist-in-residence Sophie Krier temporarily lived and worked in the Latijnse Schoolstraat in 2015-2016 while pioneering the Art & Design Practice track, thereby connecting her research to the lineage of art education in Middelburg.
Further reading: 225 jaar Teekenacademie Vernuft en Vlijt, Zeeuwse Katernen Middelburg St, 2004.
Zeeuws Genootschap
The Koninklijk Zeeuwsch Genootschap der Wetenschappen (KZGW) or Royal Zeeland Scientific Society in English, commonly referred to as the "Zeeuws Genootschap" is a Dutch scientific society that was founded in 1769 to promote the practice of Arts and Sciences in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands. The society itself has no museum but instead lends its extensive collections to various museums, libraries and other institutions. However, the society publishes a quarterly journal named Zeeland with topics relating to history, culture, nature and the regional economy. Moreover, it annually publishes its works regarding larger works of the society.
Vleeshal
In its current and future programming, Vleeshal focusses on the relations between current developments in contemporary art and the early exhibitions in Vleeshal from the ‘70s – when experimental forms of music, dance, fine arts and performance were brought together in new and interesting ways. (...) Vleeshal's other tasks also involve the implementation of Middelburg’s policy for art in the public space; the composition, management, maintenance and restoration of the municipal art collection, including public artworks. Vleeshal is also responsible for the execution of council policy on subsidies to artists from Middelburg.
Zeeuws Museum
Zeeuws Museum hosts thematic exhibitions on contemporary topics as well as a permament, historical exhibition about Zeeland based on its large collection.
Cultuurhuis Kuiperspoort
Cultuurhuis Kuiperspoort is the local cultural hub for hands-on creatives who wish to learn different skills: ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, sumi-e... All classes are taught by professional artists.
ruimteCAESUUR
Middelburg-based gallery ruimteCAESUUR hosts experimental exhibits, including in the past philosophical reading sessions with UCR students.
ruimteCAESUUR stands for the autonomy of art and puts the artist's oeuvre at the centre of the organisation of (solo) exhibitions. Both young, novice and 'arrived' artists are offered a stage to present their work in a non-commercial environment. Meeting and learning from each other occupy an important place in the annual planning of ruimteCAESUUR. (
Kunst- en cultuurroute Every first Sunday of the month, with the exception of January, the many participants of the Kunst & Cultuurrroute Middelburg open their doors especially for art amateurs. Between 13.00 and 17.00 hours you can simply walk in, look around and get to know the makers of all the beautiful things you see. You can recognise the participants by the flag with the logo of the Art & Culture Route. Special thematic Sundays host poetry readings and musical performances.