What’s on?

TAKING

THE STAGE

A lively and buzzing urban scene can be key in attracting talent. And culture can play an instrumental role. We headed out one sunny spring day to ask Rotterdam residents and CIC workers how culture defines a city.

YANNICK HEKMAN (26)

“Rotterdam’s cultural scene is sort of important to me... but not very, actually. I visit cultural institutions at most once a month. This city doesn’t have much in the way of culture that appeals to me personally. So, I would consider it from a broader perspective of the whole Randstad. It feels old-fashioned to me to confine it to one city.”

NAWAL MAHAMED (22)

“Rotterdam’s cultural scene really embraces diversity and human differences. I love that about it. You gain an understanding for cultures that would be unfamiliar otherwise. You can never get too much of it, but, culturally, Rotterdam is the place to be. My favourite place to go is Witte de Withstraat – which I live near now – and I’ve made many new friends there at the local hangouts.”

BRIAN VAN DER SLUIJS (28)

“A city’s vibe and how people interact is defined by its cultural scene. Without culture, you have nothing – no soul. Rotterdam has a strong cultural scene. There’s loads of diversity, which makes it more dynamic and varied. It’s tough to say if Rotterdam offers a cultural platform for all people and if there’s enough going on culturally for all groups, or if people are confronted with each other enough. There’s plenty culturally in Rotterdam for me at least. My favourite places to go are the Kunsthal, the IFFR and, occasionally, the cinema.”

SUSAN VAN HOLSTEIN (31) YOURI NATTEKAAS (39)

“I like coming to Rotterdam for the cultural offering. Culture is like the oxygen of the city. The cultural scene in Rotterdam is like nowhere else, it’s in-yourface. You see it in the street, it’s in everything, everywhere, all around. If you want to see art, you go to the Kunsthal. For old culture, modern culture – this rich city’s got it all.’’

“Culture is massively important in Rotterdam, mainly because it’s what makes the city and shapes its identity. I live in Rotterdam and love going to its museums, festivals and fun markets. My favourite is the Noordplein market on Saturdays, because it’s small and compact and has exactly what you’re looking for. Rotterdam has the cultural scene you want and expect in a city.”

ROOS VAN RIJK (24)

“To me, Rotterdam is Holland’s main city for culture. I’m a member of a circus, so the cultural scene is super important to me. Most of the cultural spots I go to in Rotterdam are around Schouwburgplein. I’d highly recommend the Circusstad Festival! To me, what’s lacking in the arts and culture world are opportunities for advancement and growth.”

TESS VAN DER KOOIJ (33)

“I’m from Rotterdam originally and moved back here in late 2019. Because of Covid, I’m in the process of rediscovering the cultural scene. Now that restrictions have been lifted, places I’m visiting are Witte de Withstraat, Lantarenvenster and the new Boijmans. I can’t name any one place in particular; Rotterdam’s cultural offering is so scattered. What’s nice about that is you can get your culture fix all over the city. The city’s image is defined by culture, and I think that’s really important.”

DAX RAVESTEIN (25)

“Culture is what defines the city. Rotterdam’s cultural scene has carved out a very distinctive identity; it’s a movement in which all cultures come together and live alongside each other. I personally go out a lot, but I do feel we’re missing a central plaza with places to go like other cities have. Witte de Withstraat is one of my favourite places in the city. It’s a laidback area with a low profile, which I like.”