the waiting city

In the city project The Waiting City you will discover the hidden stories and experiences of Rotterdammers! Not just any stories, but stories about what we are waiting for in our lives. With a special city map you will go on a discovery tour through Rotterdam for two weeks in February, guided by artist Merel Smitt. Visit unique waiting places, listen to waiting stories from city residents and get the opportunity to carry out playful assignments that let you experience waiting in different ways.

There is room for 100 participants and you buy a ticket that gives you access to the starting workshop. During the starting workshop you will receive the map of The Waiting City, with which you will explore the city for two weeks. We will also help you determine your personal route. Together with Merel Smitt and the other participants you will practice interventions and receive practical tips to get the most out of your waiting journey. After this joint start, your adventure begins and you have two weeks to explore the city at your own pace. Thanks to the starting workshop you will set off well-organized and have a plan that is well-aligned with your daily life.

During the two weeks, Merel will check in with you regularly, there will be moments when you can catch a glimpse of the other participants and there will be the opportunity to come together live for a special group intervention. At the end of these two weeks, we will come together again for a closing meeting. During this meeting, we will share our experiences, stories and discoveries with each other. By participating in The Waiting City, you will see the city and its inhabitants with different eyes and you will reflect on what waiting means to you and to others, what influence it has on our lives and you will explore how we can spend our waiting time differently.

This project is in collaboration with Theater Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Central Library, the Vriendenloterij and the Municipality of Rotterdam.