Verre binding: finding each other in art and culture

Free dreaming

What does that look like? Verre binding first of all stimulates meeting and connection by setting up free spaces and creative studios where, under the guidance of professional makers, people can dream, imagine and think freely and there is room to convert what lives in the head and heart into something tangible. To this end, Verre binding works together with individual Arnhem artists and social-creative organizations such as Collectief Koppig and Komversatie. This results in great cross-pollination between materials and people. For example, in Rozet: the Vrijplaats has recently become a permanent part of Connect’s programming in the Rozet building.

From film to music council

We also work together with other Arnhem cultural organizations, such as Musis. In cooperation with Verre binding, the theatre/concert hall offers a special programme for people with a refugee background. Film theater Focus is also our partner. The film council, consisting of Arnhemmers from here and far, regularly programs films that lead to new acquaintances and conversations. And together with Luxor Live, Verre binding has created a multidiverse music council. In this way, the city is increasingly becoming a living room for all Arnhemmers: old and new, from here and from afar.

Verre binding in festival form

To allow many Arnhemmers to get to know each other at the same time, to celebrate how much fun it is to get to know new people and to show what beauty there is in the world, Verre binding also organizes cultural festivals. Focus was the host of the first festival and last summer the roof (almost) went off at Rozet. On November 28, Verre binding will present itself to Arnhem for the third time in festival form, hosted by Connect in Rozet.

A shared history

Sounds good, but what does it actually yield? Making tapestries, cooking a three-course dinner for the whole city or recording a song with a video clip: making and experiencing as many forms of art as possible means that Arnhemmers get to know the city from afar and can see it as their home. In addition, it ensures that Arnhemmers from here and far meet each other and build a common history with each other. By making memories together, you automatically become part of each other’s story.

Do a little dance

And that’s not all! Delightful performances, fantastic film nights, happy Arnhemmers, innovative interactions, versatile stories, delicious snacks, a greater understanding of each other, a broader horizon, a richer spirit and a city in which it is nice to live, because everyone is welcome: come and experience it for yourself! Hook up, do a dance, watch a movie, have a bite to eat and have a drawing or a chat. Bring family, neighbors, friends and passers-by and be surprised by Verre binding!

Who, what, how?

Verre binding is developed and coordinated by Bureau Ruimtekoers, which is committed to social art and participation, commissioned by the municipality of Arnhem. Arnhem is hosting more than 3,000 refugees, spread over various reception locations in the city. In order to better involve newcomers in Arnhem in the city, the plan ‘Participation from day one’ has been drawn up, of which Verre binding is a part. Verre binding is a co-creation and is designed in collaboration with the COA, Connect, various creative Arnhem makers and cultural institutions, social organizations and of course the residents of the asylum seekers’ centers. Will you join us?