Introduction by Marie Jeanne de Rooij (director)

Since its foundation in 1947, the Vrije Academie (‘Free’ Academy) has been a safe haven for artists who, rather than follow the standard, traditional paths of art education, choose to pursue a more personal route to develop their artistic talents. We offer them – self-taught artists, ambitious amateurs, artists-to-be, but also established, independent artists – the space(s) and opportunities to explore their talents and to realize their ambitions.

At the centre of the Vrije Academie’s approach is the ‘trinity’ of practice, reflection and presentation. The Vrije Academie is a unique and special institute that is always looking for new, ‘free’ ways to teach art and to coach artists, and is constantly anticipating and reacting to the continually changing context of our society’s developments. Consequently, it is not a traditional school, but an open, unrestricted work space in which production-of-art, reflection-on-art and presentation-of-art are used as important tools to encourage participating artists and near-professionals as well as those who are self-taught to reach artistic maturity.

The Vrije Academie’s post-academic department DNA (De Nieuwe Academie – The New Academy) offers beginning, exceptionally talented artists the opportunity to be selected for its ambitious two-year programme. From September 2010 the Vrije Academie presents a new, comprehensive weekly programme that, by further accentuating practical and theoretical content, allows participants to map out a route that best fits their own personal artistic development.

As always, our artistic refuge has a full programme in the coming fall. Not only are our familiar and extensive work space facilities available, but we also offer you, our current and future participants, an inspiring ‘Kick-Off’ programme, surprising workshops and monthly, mind-improving Studium Generale sessions. In addition, we accommodate a varied Artist-in-Residence programme and an exhibition space, Gemak, with an accompanying programme of debates and lectures on the arts, politics and society. 

We have a Project Space where artists, either from within or outside the Vrije Academie, can develop and realize unusual and exceptional artistic projects that may be tried out or previewed in the Vrije Academie.

During the summer months we have not been sitting idly. We have started converting the Vrije Academie building into a place that is more accessible and inviting to all participants and visitors. Armed with our new programme and the new, open and transparent appearance of our work space and refuge in The Hague's city centre, we wish, with heart and soul and a hopeful eye on the future, to give art that has and gives meaning, a place in society.

Marie Jeanne de Rooij, director Vrije Academie & Gemak