Grant for New Art Platform in Zeeland

12 October 2024

The Institute for Human Activities (IHA) receives €250,000 grant from the Province of Zeeland for the project LEARN, DIG, BUILD. IHA’s goal for the coming years is to put their unique working model and expertise for the benefit of structural change in the Netherlands, and more specifically: to build a new art platform in Zeeland: a place for the art of the working class.

New participatory art platform
The organization, founded by artist Renzo Martens, will build a new participatory art platform in Zeeland. Renzo Martens was born in Sluiskil and later lived in Sas van Gent and Terneuzen. “We set up a successful art center in Lusanga in Congo. All the people in Lusanga were involved. With art, people take back control of their history, land and future. That would be very nice for Zeeland, too.”

Next Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Renzo will talk about his experiences and will engage in conversation with visitors. This will take place in Porgy en Bess as part of the opening of the new lock in Terneuzen. More info here.

Province of Zeeland Deputy Jo-Annes de Bat says about the grant: “In the policy document “Culture and Heritage” a number of ambitions have been formulated to which this project will contribute. Among other things, more production in Zeeland, the participation of young people, audience expansion and making a connection with societal challenges.”

See also the press release by the Province of Zeeland.