We are happy to introduce you to our ambassador Jochem Leegstra who is the founder and creative director of …,staat since 2000 and recently became the initiator and a co-publisher of the platform THE NEW STIJL. Art plays an important part in his life as for him it is a source of inspiration and serves as a catalyst for conversations. It evokes various emotions and perspectives, whether it’s visual arts (which is also connected to our daily work) or theatre, dance, music and spoken word.
According to Jochem, Amsterdam is an amazing city with a unique art scene. Unlike cities like New York, London, and Paris, Amsterdam may have fewer galleries and artists, but it compensates with a substantial presence of art schools and institutions considering its population and size. He points out that in Amsterdam, art is an integral part of the city and its vibrant cultural scene. With that being said, Jochem is thrilled to support the local art scene and Amsterdam Art’s initiative.
What does Jochem’s perfect day during Amsterdam Art Week look like?
“I’m really curious to check out the new buro Stedelijk. So let’s start here.
Also, I have to make sure to stop by Madé van Krimpen Gallery. Because of her fresh and surprising approach. When it comes to photography, The Ravenstijn Gallery is my absolute favourite. Going to Grimm is always a good idea. They never disappoint. The concept of Eenwerk is also fantastic. Great location, strong curation, and connected to the studio of Irma Boom. For the more digital art forms, Upstream Gallery is spot on.
Apart from that, I just like to wander around the city and surprise myself with visits to various ateliers, studios, and galleries.”
Since the theme of this year’s Amsterdam Art Week is hospitality, we asked Jochem what this means to him. He described hospitality as a way to honour and appreciate art. For Jochem, it’s about creating high-quality artworks, enticing the audience to spend more time with the art. This, in turn, fosters a welcoming and hospitable environment within the art space.
Jochems tip for Amsterdam Art Week is the Rijksakademie which he only visits once a year during Amsterdam Art Week, but it’s a must-do for him. It’s a great opportunity to see new works and discover a curation of great new artists and additionally getting a feel for their working environments.
Discover our full programme and create your own perfect day during Amsterdam Art Week!
