I amsterdam - Best Bohemian Colonialism
Home
Service
Search
Best Bohemian Colonialism
Recommended by I ambassador Sara
The Ruigoord Freestate community is just that – a colony of determined artists who have been squatting in an entire ghost town for over 30 years.
In the beginning of the 1970’s the City of Amsterdam decided it was time to turn an island village in the Houtrak polder into an industrial harbour. The tiny lake community on the western outskirts of Amsterdam was thus evacuated to make way for the new plans, but while the ‘Africa Harbour’ had not yet seen fruition, the houses, streets & villages still remained intact and empty. As time went on and this harbour had still not materialised, a small colony of artists began squatting the village and claimed it as their own.
Polder Model
The Dutch are well-known for their polders – land existing below sea-level thanks to surrounding, man-made dikes offering flood protection. Throughout history, the realisation of these polders has required co-operation and shared responsibility from the effected communities. It has also formed the political blueprint for the Dutch ‘Polder Model’ – consensus through negotiation. Thanks to this model, and a strong sense of determination, the Ruigoord community has managed to remain in this literal polder village in some form or another for over 30 years.
Cultural Freestate
Ruigoord likes to call itself a ‘Cultural Freestate’ – which is a good way to describe what one experiences upon entering this village. Amidst historical buildings dating back to the mid- and late 1800’s, one finds everything from a church-turned-theater-slash-grand café, to a barn-turned-exhibition space, to cottages-turned-workshops (technically, the village buildings may no longer act as living space). Cottage entrances welcome you with larger-than-life poems, windows toting such signs as ‘Photographer’, ‘Blacksmith’, or ‘Painter’. Garden sculptures and hidden treasures decorate the grounds. Streets and pathways are named after artists. And regular theatre events, concerts, exhibitions and festivals (such as the ‘Landjuweel’ nomadic celebration) are frequented by people from around the world.
Industry vs. Artistry
One of the most striking realities about today’s Ruigoord is its surroundings - a juxtaposition of art and nature against the backdrop of industry. After several other industrial attempts, the adjoining area of the Afrikahaven and western harbour ports have now become home to a budding shipping industry and factories. The silver-blue waters of the village’s lake now reflect the shipping cranes, chimney smoke and commercial hustle and bustle as well as the natural flatlands.
Polder Picture
Perhaps this landscape acts as a poetic symbol of the modern-day polder. Or maybe it has become fodder for the artistic community. Or possibly it serves as a reminder of the artist’s eternal struggle to claim culture back from the powers that be. But in any event, the Ruigoord has still managed to exist above ground. And that in itself is a work of art worth viewing. (Photo, right: Catelijn Beijst)
Info
Ruigoord 15
1047 HH – Amsterdam
email: ruigoord@xs4all.nl
Tickets: reserveringen@ruigoord.nl
Telefoon: + 31 (0)20 497 5702
Fax: +31 (0)20 4970503
Website: www.ruigoord.nl/B02Index.htm
Directions
- Public transport: Train from Amsterdam to Sloterdijk. Connexxion bus 82 to Ruigoord on Halfweg.
- By car from Amsterdam to Haarlem: take the Recreatiegebied Spaarnwoude exit, near Halfweg. Follow signs to Ruigoord.
More Living
 | |
| print page |  |
| email page |  |
| scroll up |  |
Mail this page | |
