And the new Night Mayor of Amsterdam is…
Amsterdam, you let me down last Thursday. Not sure if you guys knew it, but on that special night there were the elections for the new Ambassador of our Nightlife. We the public, the users and abusers of the nightlife, the lovers, the haters, the loathers, the devotees; we had the opportunity to decide who would represent us and fight for us, for what is ours. So standing in an almost empty Melkweg, I could really feel the energy and the unity that Amsterdam has… (..more)
A festive night of literature with Das Magazin
Magazines are crap. Quite an accusation, but in many ways true. Most magazines occupying shelves at bookstores are all covering shit. “Is your boyfriend cheating on you? Find out now!”. Paparazzi shots with the latest gossip victim block out anything with substance. And yes, I’m over exaggerating, but it can be awfully hard at times to get your hands on a top notch designed and well written, quality piece of work. (..more)
Find out how to liven up your city digitally
Nowadays everyone has a smartphone, clever right? But without starting a massive moral debate on how digital we’ve become and that our DNA is changing from XY to 01, let’s see how we can put all this technological enlightment to good use. Mediamatic, always at the front of the line when it comes to hi-tech activity, will be hosting a presentation of a workshop called Designing Social Cities of Tomorrow. (..more)
Peek inside a cabinet of curiosities at The Otherist
Wandering around Amsterdam’s canals you always seem to discover something new. A little niche filled with hidden treasures. These places are safe havens for collectors, specialists, historians, modernists and the freaks inside us all. The Otherist is exactly one of these niches, a small shop with some of the most interesting items to tickle anyone’s fancy freakish fetish. (..more)
Rediscover your childhood nerdiness at A Space Oddity
I’ve always been slightly fascinated with Star Wars fanatics and toy conventions for adults. Why are they always portrayed as ultimate super geeks? They are actually superheroes in their own right. I used to be a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan, but I’ve never felt the urge to dress up as Michelangelo and meet up with the other turtle brothers to re-enact fight scenes. But, eventually, it all comes down to people being passionate about something. And they’re not really using lightsabers to cut each other’s heads off…right? (..more)
A stool designed by the forces of nature
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker; all craftsmen making their own products by hand. Nowadays, the only craftsmen left are just able to scrape by thanks to loyal customers who appreciate something prepared with a little tender loving care. There are almost extinct professions out there, but luckily there are also still people with passion who keep the fire burning. One of these people is the talented designer Jólan van der Wiel. (..more)
Vitrine de Ville in 12 pictures
Live mannequins, sculptures breathing fire, bands in a garage, fashion parades and more galore. Last Thursday the Wolvenstraat was transformed into a one-night street of art. I explicitly told you upfront though, so no pointing fingers if you missed out. The crowd survived the rain, the cold and the police and let their imaginations run wild at this cultural manifesto. Just see for yourself. (..more)
Vitrine de Ville, real ‘street art’
Remember De Grote 8? A little while back we introduced you to them with their expo at Pand 14. These guys haven’t been sitting ducks in the meantime. On December 8th there is going to be quite a special event. Think neighbourhood block party, think multidisciplinary arts, think cultural get-together. For one night only, the Wolvenstraat will be transformed into an all-round playground of art and culture. Vitrine de Ville a.k.a. Showcase City! (..more)
Enter the Void and claim your art
Lately I’ve been getting the idea that there are more and more art galleries opening up around town. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. The ones I’ve been to are approaching the concept in the right way. Affordable art by young and upcoming artists with a variation of disciplines seems to be the way to go. This also happens to be the case with the newest kid on the block: Void. (..more)
Classical music with a twist at Brug9
When was the last time you listened to classical music? My guess is, it was either last Christmas at your parents' house or while studying for exams because you heard from a friend that it actually does help. But what if there was a platform able to prove the coolness of classical music and bring it to a younger crowd? To bring it just a little step further, what if this platform also gave the stage to young talent instead of some old fart who’s vibrato is so good thanks to Parkinson? (..more)
