The exhibition Florida presented diverse examples of the working practices of these regenerative artists’ initiatives. The initiatives were invited to use ‘t Gemaal as a platform to exchange their ideas and to collaborate with visitors and each other. Each initiative occupied ‘t Gemaal for one week, connecting its activities with the programme of their own location.
With this research exhibition, TENT aimed to map out the connections and identities of these new initiatives. In the upcoming years, the southern district of Rotterdam will experience far-reaching renovation. What might art contribute materially and intrinsically to the quality of Rotterdam South? The well-known ‘Creative Class’-theory of Richard Florida is often used to legitimise the policy of locating creative entrepreneurs in residential areas. But what do artists seek in this changing district? How do they see their role in Rotterdam South?
Participants were the collective ADA, which allowed the public to participate in their research as art; Sensational Mix, which commented on the public space of Rotterdam South with performative projects; NAC, which acts as an alternative ‘property-developer’ in order to redevelop apartment blocks for artists; and De Player, that links international sound art with Rotterdam South.
De Player
For Florida, De Player invited the noise rock/nu-jazz band Fat Worm Of Error (USA) to present their sources of inspiration, working methods and music. Their exhibition showed the production process of an 8-inch record developed specially for De Player — a Perspex disc (lathe-cut) with artwork — alongside film screenings, readings and live performances by Wim Verhoeven and others.
ADA
ADA (Area for Debate and Art, a collective of Deirdre M. Donoghue, Esmé Valk, Gerwin Luijendijk, Maja Bekan, Margo Onnes en Sjoerd Westbroek) realised a temporary botanical garden. The garden functioned as a social space and starting point for further discussion, research and activities, with contributions by Matts Leiderstam, Mark Pimlott and Edward Clydesdale Thomson.
Sensational Mix
Sensational Mix (a collaboration between Roland Groenenboom and Nathalie houtermans) used their presentation for Florida to kick-off their projects Klachtenkoor/ Complaints Choir, WK ZA 2010 and Dias & Riedweg.
NAC
Scores of activities and projects sprang up in the borough of Charlois under the umbrella of NAC (Nieuwe Ateliers Charlois): L.P. Hendriks, Club Attent, W Lfr_t project spaces, BART-store, Gallery 182, Half Juni and the guest studios Zimmerfrei # 1 & 2. ‘t Gemaal enabled visitors to follow the strategy and development of this initiative, with special attention for their idea of ‘district takeovers’ and the effects of this on Rotterdam Zuid.
Round Table Discussion
To conclude Florida, TENT organized a round-table symposium on the hows & whys of art initiatives in a changing city, moderated by Marieke Hillen and Mariette Dölle.