Every September, Rotterdam becomes the place to be for art lovers. During the Groot Rotterdams Atelier Weekend (GRAW), hundreds of artists across the city throw open the doors of their studios. It’s your chance to discover art up close, meet the makers behind the work, and be surprised by spaces that are normally closed to the public.
Creatieven dragen bij aan het levendig houden van buurten en het versterken van Rotterdam als bruisende, inspirerende stad.
From Crooswijk to Coolhaven, from Hillevliet to Hillegersberg: throughout Rotterdam, in the third weekend of September, artists open their doors to the public. From art lovers to local residents, anyone can look inside the working spaces of artists, makers, and creatives during the Groot Rotterdams Atelier Weekend.
A city full of studio complexes
Around 600 artists take part each year across some 80 locations throughout the city. These are often studio complexes that, as creative breeding grounds, play a vital role in renewing neighbourhoods and connecting artists with the local community. The event also shines a light on the challenges artists face, such as the disappearance of affordable studio spaces due to urban redevelopment.
Affordable spaces
That’s why GRAW advocates for affordable, future-proof spaces, so that creatives can keep contributing to lively neighbourhoods and to Rotterdam’s identity as an energetic, inspiring city. Through the Coalitie Creatieve Ruimte Rotterdam, GRAW aims to work together with the municipality, property partners, and makers. The goal: making creative workspace as natural a part of the city as schools or parks, a basic provision that keeps Rotterdam vibrant, inclusive, and recognisable.
Creatives help keep neighbourhoods vibrant and strengthen Rotterdam as an energetic, inspiring city.</p> <p>
Rotterdamse Art Embassy
To let Rotterdam’s artistic richness shine throughout the year, there is the Rotterdamse Art Embassy Through their website, visitors can also book studio visits with Rotterdam artists outside of GRAW. That way, the connection between artists and the public stays alive, and everyone can keep enjoying the creativity that makes the city so special.
Plan your own route
On the GRAW website, you’ll find an interactive map with all participating studios. Plan your own route or book one of the guided tours. For the latest updates, follow the event on Instagram.
Experience Rotterdam’s creativity
GRAW is more than an event: it’s a celebration of the diversity, creativity, and energy that make Rotterdam so unique. Whether you’re drawn to painting, photography, or hands-on makers, GRAW has something for everyone. Come along and be surprised by the talent and the stories behind Rotterdam’s art scene.
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