With among others: Lia Gieling and Jeroen Boomgaard (chair)

Marjolein Boterenbrood, Teike Asselbergs of Orgacom,

Daniela Swarovsky, Rini Biemans (presentations)

Date: November 19 and 20, 2005

The demolition and construction of new buildings has been taking place for several decades in almost every large Dutch city. However, the scale at which this occurs and the number of districts that are transformed constitute a new phenomenon. This is also the case for the number of art(istic) projects which have very quickly emerged in the districts being restructured and (remove 'on') the "Vinex" locations. The diversity and different lines of approach in all of these projects conjure up questions about the position of the artist and the accompanying possibilities and limitations.

The symposium was intended to provide insight into the way in which artists were active in urban renewal at that point in time, and with what results and under what conditions art could function in urban development processes with respect to content. During a two day programme the conditions and values of art in this urban situation were explored. In addition, the various roles of artists and patrons were discussed and a number of Dutch art projects elucidated. During the symposium's first day the participants made an excursion to Rotterdam where the Proefpark de Punt by Rini Biemans and the project Zwaanshals in Motion by Daniela Swarovsky were visited.

The symposium functioned as a platform for artists, activists and experts of various disciplines including architects, urban planners, representatives from housing corporations and sociologists. Local civil servants and politicians were also present because of their engagement with the issues of restructuring. Due to the diverse positions and interests of those present the exchange of experiences led to a fruitful meeting.

location:  Noeroel Islam Mosque, Transvaal

See the website www.schoothondofpitbull.nl for all the names, dates and issues discussed and the complete programme data and reports.