The Culture Campus is scheduled to open its doors in Rotterdam South in 2022; an initiative to which Codarts Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Hogeschool Rotterdam and the municipality of Rotterdam have all committed themselves. The Culture Campus in the south of Rotterdam promises to be an environment that will facilitate the ongoing development of students, as well as merging education and research at the interface between science and art.
Higher education will finally establish itself south of the New Waterway thanks to the planned Culture Campus. The southern quarter of the city will experience the immediate benefits of this unique institution, with multi-disciplinary collaboration which will contribute to research into the social issues that Rotterdam South has to cope with. Culture Campus promises to be an inclusive and welcoming environment and a meeting place for residents, visitors, students, teachers, cultural creatives and entrepreneurs, as well as businesses and researchers; a venue for learning and study, a place to do business and research, meet and consult, create, innovate, exhibit and present.
Talent for the future of Rotterdam
The educational world anticipates that this new location in Rotterdam South is also going to lead to a more diverse intake of students. Said Kasmi, alderman for Education, Culture and Tourism: 'Everybody is entitled to a good education; as an alderman, I am committed to that, so I heartily welcome the fact that an institution for higher-education is going to be established in the southern part of Rotterdam. It is bound to inspire and motivate local young people to make the most of their talents. And what more could you wish for than the opportunity to go to college or university in your own neighbourhood?'
Rutger Engels, rector magnificus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, is enthusiastic: 'The Culture Campus will enable us to connect more effectively with talented young people in Rotterdam. We need our young people urgently for the development and future of this great city'.
An iconic site on Charloisse Hoofd
Charloisse Hoofd, a magnificent site on the Maashaven, was selected as the initial location for the Culture Campus. The four participating parties are currently exploring the right approach for the start of the first educational activities in 2022. Alderman Kasmi: 'Eventually, the Culture Campus will be an iconic site that will undoubtedly attract many tourists; this in turn will create new employment opportunities for the residents of Rotterdam South.'
Zakia Guernina, member of the Executive Board of Hogeschool Rotterdam: 'As far as we are concerned, South is the ideal area for urban and social renewal. We, as a college, consider it important to contribute to fulfilling that aspiration. Together with the municipality of Rotterdam, Codarts and Erasmus University, we are going to explore ways in which we can strengthen our cooperation and connection with Rotterdam South'.
Wilma Franchimon, chairperson of the Executive Board of Codarts Rotterdam: 'I feel that art and art education should be visible throughout the city, so also in Rotterdam South. The current opportunity to investigate ways in which we can jointly 'head south' to enhance our collaboration and connection with that area is a great next step'.
