About + contact

CONTACT

MISSION

wpZimmer supports the development* of artistic practices by providing time, space and collective learning contexts for process-driven and interdisciplinary research.
We do so because we believe artistic development is not merely a step toward production, but a vital space for questioning, experimentation and reimagining how art relates to society. By prioritising the artistic question over the final form, we create conditions where new practices, collaborations and ways of working can emerge. Organised through sociocratic principles, we foster a culture of reciprocity, care and shared responsibility within the artistic field.

*By ‘development’ we understand:

a) development can be a phase within an artistic project, a phase within a linear trajectory towards an end result (research and development, production, presentation…);
b) development can be an integral ongoing/continuous driver within process-based practices that have a circular trajectory.
During the development phase a form (either as a discipline or a medium) does not have to be predefined. Instead, it can emerge/appear, or deviate, change and transform from the initial artistic proposal

WPZIMMER RESIDENCIES

wpZimmer residencies are solely through a yearly open call. The terms and conditions for this open call are communicated during the summer, on all social media platforms, the newsletter and on our website.

ACCESSIBILITY

Antwerp Central Station > wpZimmer – Gasstraat 90, 2060 Antwerp;
15 min. public transport / 20 min. walk / 5 min. by bike

CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT

At wpZimmer you enter a space where your path will cross those
of others: other artists, visitors and of course the wpZimmer
team. It is our aim to create a space where everyone can feel at
home, at ease and comfortable in their own being. As a team,
we’re always open to your questions, feedback and whenever
you’re in need of a conversation, whether artistically or relating
to a more personal matter.

1) We have a zero tolerance for racism, sexism, queer antagonism,
ableism, ageism and other kinds of oppression. We aim to
deconstruct any prejudice or discrimination from an
intersectional standpoint. Both our team and residents/creatives
will be held responsible for upholding this commitment.

2) We ask to not assume how a person experiences their identity.
Make an effort to check in and ask for pronouns, specific needs
and preferred language. Respect the lived experience of other
people. Do not question the experience of others. wpZimmer
does not condone demeaning, discriminatory and intimidating
language or behavior.

3) We have a zero tolerance for any form of abuse, physical or
psychological.

4) At wpZimmer consent is absolute priority. We expect all guests
to respect each other and ask for consent in any circumstance.

5) We cultivate an environment where mutual respect and
reciprocity regardless of background, identity, or artistic
discipline is prioritized.

6) wpZimmer embraces a collaborative approach, actively working
alongside her collaborators rather then for them;

7) We value fruitful conversation and feedback. It takes time out of
your day but we believe it’s essential for good
cooperation.Objections are welcome with a positive connotation
and constructive approach.

8) wpZimmer is a house wherein activities happen on a daily basis,
so for this ecosystem to withstand we ask all guests to be
respectful of the time and space of other residents and
infrastructure.

9) At wpZimmer you are expected to be accountable for your own
behaviour, if you’ve crossed someone’s boundaries, be open to
adjust and reconsider your actions. It is recommended to not get
defensive but rather create a brave safe space for dialogue and
apologies.

10) wpZimmer is a multi-lingual environment. Even if we make use
of English as a lingua franca, we all bring different languages
and vocabularies so we understand that everyone experiences
very different levels of comfort while speaking and writing. Native
English speakers must understand that their own ease in
expressing themselves (particularly in terms of specialized
vocabulary and speed) might provoke unease for non-native
speakers.

11) The building is made out of works of a lot of people and their
energies. Therefore we expect our guests to be considerate of
the infrastructure. Be mindful of the non-human organisms such
as the garden, the tree and our plants.
Knowing that taking all of the above into account is sometimes
easier said than done. When anyone breaks these guidelines,
we work to not take it personally. We all have been conditioned
into systems of oppression and we are unlearning; this makes
us uncomfortable and we try not to expect neat, tidy solutions.
If you’re in need of help, feel free to reach out the team or to our
person of trust, Aline Bauwens.

C-TAKT

C-Takt is an international research and development platform for transdisciplinary art in and out the theatre. C-Takt was initiated in 2017 from the merger between the workspace of C-Mine (Genk) and Takt Dommelhof (Neerpelt). The platform works on a structural basis together with wpZimmer, 0090, SOAP, Musica and In Situ.

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Artistic consultation, mobility and sharing know-how are central to the network. There is a strong ambition to make maximum use of the complementary forces within the network. For example, at least one project per year is set up for each structural partner, which is promoted, presented and distributed via the network. Infrastructure and logistics are also shared.

The network C-Takt exists at the moment of following organisations:
In Situ (Europees netwerk),
C-mine (Genk),
Takt Dommelhof (Neerpelt),
wpZimmer (Antwerpen),
0090 (Antwerpen / Istanboel),
SoAP (Maastricht / Gent), Musica (Neerpelt)

HISTORY

Since 2001 wpZimmer has been housed in a building in the multicultural neighborhood of Antwerp North, on the border of the working-class districts of Stuivenberg and Seefhoek. The building in the Gasstraat, located at the numbers 88-90, is recognizable on the street side by the large iron blue gate. Once behind this gate you will find yourself in a real little cité, typical of this old working-class area.

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Up to the mid-seventies, this complex of buildings housed a vegetable storage depot. The typical thick walls, the straw-filled massive doors of the old cold stores (now the technical space and staircase) and the decrepit ice machine that was left behind in the cellar, are still some of the many traces of that colourful past.

In the outhouses (in the front and left) there used to be a garage (now a set storage), a small canteen space with rooms on top (now the foyer and kitchen) and two small houses that are rendered accessible via what is now the foyer space. In the seventies and eighties the premises deteriorated and mainly served as a storage depot and parking for cars.

In 1993 De Beweeging took up its residence here and renovated the premises wherever necessary to rearrange it as a theatre building and rehearsal place. Since the arrival of wpZimmer in September 2001, the theatre infrastructure is mainly used as a working studio. Only occasionally public activities are organised here.

The infrastructure at the disposal of wpZimmer is U-shaped and contains:

  • one big polyvalent studio (17m x 18m), with theatre-technical equipment
  • a smaller poly functional space
  • a technical workshop
  • a storage depot  nu atelier?
  • offices
  • a kitchen/foyer
  • lodging facilities for max. 6 persons + showers and sanitary fittings (three bedrooms)
  • a backyard with a tree

Bustling though the north Antwerp atmosphere definitely is, wpZimmer offers a quiet environment to work in and its infrastructure and lodging facilities are excellent for residences. Its compact setting benefits the fluent communication between the wpZimmer team and the artists, in an almost homely atmosphere.

TECHNICAL RIDER

With the support of Flanders – State of the art / Department of Culture, Youth and Media