Art Central Rotterdam XL marks the opening of the cultural season

Art Central Rotterdam XL aims to strengthen Rotterdam's artistic scene not only nationally, but also internationally. From 13 to 15 September, Art Central Rotterdam XL - Art Weekend will once again bring together 28 venues across the city. Galleries, institutions and other cultural spaces will collaborate to showcase Rotterdam's art scene. The programme will include exhibitions, performances and tours.

ART Central aims to promote collaboration, celebrate creativity and provide a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange. Art Central Rotterdam XL therefore targets Rotterdammers as international visitors.

Art Central Rotterdam XL approaches the city of Rotterdam as a system. With 'A system is not the sum of its parts', curator Marijn Bril delivers an exciting performance programme tailored to the specific dynamics of the venues in question, creating a captivating experience for visitors on the one hand, and enhancing the possibility of reaching a wider audience on the other. The title is taken from American systems theorist Russel L. Ackoff, who said that a system is not the sum of its parts, but the product of their interactions.

Urban infrastructures, such as architecture, streets and signage, serve both as frameworks for and expressions of relationships. What emerges are dynamic networks of people, non-human entities and their activities. 'A system is not the sum of its parts' presents five performances that intervene in contexts across Rotterdam, weaving a thread through various art locations and inviting an exploration of the city.

The artists in the programme explore the urban environment through the lens of information, interaction, language, ecology and directions. Their performances reveal the flows of movement within the city (Ilke Gers), challenge spatial perceptions (Elsemarijn Bruys), respond to the language of gentrification (Cengiz Mengüç), explore hidden urban biodiversity (Marika Vandekraats) and point out the interaction between locations and cultures (Toine Horvers). In this way, they invite the audience to interact with and reflect on their surroundings in unexpected ways.

These are the participants

BRUTUS, Christian Ouwens Gallery, Contempo, Contour Gallery, Eye Love You Art Space, Frank Taal, Galerie Atelier Herenplaats, Galerie Untitled, Galerie Weisbard, Garage Rotterdam, H(a)L in Het Archief, H(a)L in Galerie Lecq, JOEY RAMONE, Art Institute Melly / HipHopHuis, Murals Inc, Nieuw Charlois, NL=US Art, OMI, PHOEBUS Rotterdam, ROOF-A, Studio Seine, Varia Zone Art Space, VIVID Galerie, Westerkadekunst, WORM - S/ash Gallery and WTC Rotterdam Art Gallery.

The Art Central Rotterdam XL concept is an initiative of Muriel Mager (Contour Gallery) and Kiki Petratou (JOEY RAMONE). During the first edition in 2022, more than 3,000 visitors visited the try-out with as many as 30 locations. After the successful first edition in collaboration with Erika Vati of Art Index Rotterdam, Muriel and Kiki developed the desire and vision to make it an annual event where delivering quality and embracing diversity are important core values.

More info

The opening is Friday 13 Sept between 19:00 and 21:00 at NIO on the Meent.
On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, all locations will be open between 12:00 and 18:00.