Contemporary art crosses disciplinary boundaries, uses a great diversity of media and materials and is open to various interpretations. Witte de With aims to acquaint young people with contemporary art in a way that is both stimulating and accessible. During a visit, their questions or interests, their surprise or indignation are taken as points of departure. They gain invaluable tools for engaging critically with the culture at large.
Art Confrontations
During an Art Confrontation students will visit an exhibition at Witte de With with the benefit of a guide. For students in the Dutch secondary school programs – both the CKV (cultural and artistic education) and the MBO (intermediate vocational education) – guides focus on facilitating an informed introduction to contemporary art. For students following the Dutch secondary school program Kunst Algemeen (Art in General) the emphasis is on discussion, reflection and learning to form one’s own opinion.
During all Art Confrontations the students are particularly encouraged to make their own observations and supported in articulating them. In this way students become involved with the lively construction of works of art.
The guides are hospitable and kind and adapt to all levels. They give ample opportunity for questions and contributions by the participants.
Booking an Art Confrontation: please email reservations@wdw.nl.
An Art Confrontation lasts about one hour. The fee is € 2.50 per person (in cash or with a ‘cultuurkaart’), with a maximum of 15 students. The maximum number of students that can visit Witte de With simultaneously is 30.
The SKVR Cultuurtraject
Every other year, Witte de With organizes the project Kunst van Nu (Art Now) in close collaboration with the Cultuurtraject initiative of the SKVR (Stichting Kunst voor Rotterdam, a Rotterdam-based foundation for art education). All Rotterdam schools participating in the Cultuurtraject can join in.
The Kunst van Nu projects for Cultuurtraject begin with an Art Confrontation, acquainting participants with the current exhibition. This is followed by a workshop often led by an artist and often involving each participant in the production of his or her own work of art. Students are encouraged to ask: what story do I want to tell and how will I translate this story into an artwork? The program wraps up with a “show and tell” presentation where classmates show each other their works and discuss them.
Please contact SKVR for further details about enrollment.
Information for secondary education teachers
While preparing a visit, teachers are welcome to make an appointment with the education curator for an (informal) talk and a short tour of the current exhibition. In collaboration with teachers and schools, Witte de With can also realize tailor-made projects.
For those visiting Rotterdam with larger groups or several classes at once, we help to make arrangements with nearby institutes TENT and Showroom MAMA.
Please contact Karin Schipper by sending an e-mail to karin@wdw.nl or calling +31(0)104110144.
