Artist Residency at Hembrugterrein
Located in the heart of the Hembrugterrein in Zaandam, our artist residency offers a unique setting where history, nature, and contemporary artistic practice intersect. Just a short walk from the studio, the residency provides artists with space, time, and inspiration to deepen their work and explore new directions.
Our residency programme hosts artists at a 1-minute bike ride or a 5-minute walk away from the studio. The residency unfolds at Hembrugterrein in Zaandam, a vibrant cultural hotspot in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. Once a historic munitions facility for the Dutch Ministry of Defense and part of the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Defence Line of Amsterdam,’ this captivating site now fuses rich industrial heritage with nature along the North Sea Canal. The accommodation counts with 7 private bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a cleaning room with washing machine, a conference room, a cozy living room, a picnic zone, as well as bikes available anytime for the residents. Equipped with all necessary amenities and the charm of this two-month creative retreat, the residency offers a perfect blend of collaboration and artistic exploration in a setting where history and creativity converge seamlessly.
ACCOMODATION
Residents stay in a shared artist house just a few minutes from the working studio. The house offers:
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7 private, fully furnished bedrooms
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A spacious and well-equipped communal kitchen
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2 shared bathrooms
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A cleaning room with washing machine
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A cozy living room for relaxing and informal gatherings
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A separate conference or meeting room
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An outdoor picnic area surrounded by trees and open space
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Bikes available to use anytime
The house is designed for both comfort and creative exchange, allowing residents to find a rhythm between privacy and cl life.
STUDIO
The nearby studio space provides artists with:
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Ample natural light and working space
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Basic tools and furniture for making and experimenting
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A flexible setup for solo or collaborative projects
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The possibility to host small workshops, installations, or open studios
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Access to a growing local network of artists, designers, and makers
The Residency Experience
The residency supports artists in developing their own focus, whether they come to reflect, research, create, or experiment. The program encourages organic connections with fellow residents and the wider Hembrug community. There are no fixed expectations or outcomes, but residents are welcome to share their work through studio visits, conversations, or public presentations, depending on their interests.
The experience is shaped by:
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Autonomy and freedom in one’s practice
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A supportive and inspiring environment
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Opportunities for informal exchange and dialogue
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Optional group moments like shared meals or open studio events
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A connection to a unique historical and ecological landscape
The residency is open to professional artists, designers, and cross-disciplinary practitioners from all backgrounds and stages of career. It’s ideal for those interested in working in a context where time slows down, nature meets industry, and creativity is part of daily life.