Artist-in-Residence

Witte Rook’s artist-in-residence programme ran from 2017 to 2022 at Stationslaan 111 in Breda. The programme was made possible through a partnership with the Alwel housing association, which came to an end with the demolition of the building. The programme consisted of three components: AIR Binnenland, AIR Lokaal and AIR Internationaal.

AIR Binnenland was aimed at artists based in the Netherlands or Belgium and was combined with a residency for artists from Breda (AIR Lokaal). The residencies lasted three weeks and were intended for experimentation and research into forms of presentation, the creation of new work or the development of a specific project. The programme emphasised the process of the working period through description, interpretation and archiving. Digitisation, in particular, received special attention as an artistic practice.

The involvement of Breda’s active artistic community was the impetus for combining both residencies in 2019. The aim was to facilitate encounters with other artists through their own work, expand networks, and exchange knowledge and insights.

Witte Rook’s AIR international programme was aimed at internationally active artists who used the local environment for inspiration, interaction or research over a period of two months. The focus was on practices that engage with contemporary issues, with the aim of encouraging a fresh perspective on one’s own surroundings.

The residency consisted of a working period, an introductory programme with relevant discussion partners such as curators, organisers and artists, and an open studio session. At the end of the working period, there was a conversation with an art professional, followed by an online publication on the Witte Rook website.

Witte Rook was based in the Liniekwartier district of Breda and was situated, both literally and figuratively, on the boundary between fast-paced urban life and the intimacy of a working-class neighbourhood. The venue consisted of a 1950s house with a large garden and a spacious project space, just a stone’s throw from Breda Central Station. Residents could retreat here to live, work and reflect, and to meet other artists.