Club VHDG is part of our program that provides space to learn, grow, and connect, specifically aimed at young artists and cultural professionals. The Club consists of a growing group of active artists, curators, writers, and producers at the beginning of their careers. Together, they form a community in which they organize cultural events such as workshops and presentations; learning by doing and from one another. The Club is self-directed and operates based on the needs and ambitions of its current members, with support from a coordinator.
The Club is based on the following three pillars: inspiration, networking and self-organisation. By 2025, a new annual programme will be developed, consisting of a range of activities such as excursions and site visits, feedback sessions, shared meals, reading groups, networking drinks, group exhibitions and club nights.
On Friday, May 16, we are organizing a Connect x Club VHDG Day to present our Connect program and Club VHDG to even more emerging artists and other creative makers.
During this event, the new visual identity of Club VHDG will be launched, and we’ll share more information about the upcoming VHDG Connect residency program. It’s a great opportunity to meet the current members of Club VHDG and to learn more about the Club — which, of course, you’ll definitely want to join afterwards 😉
Program
13:30 – 13:45: Walk-in with Coffee & Tea 13:45 – 14:00: Introduction 14:00 – 17:00: Workshop: Solidarity & Mutual Support in the Arts 17:00 – 18:30: Collective dinner 18:30: End
Date: Friday 16th of May Time: 13:30 – 18:30hs Location: VHDG ~ Naauw 6 – 8, Leeuwarden For Who?: Current and new members of Club VHDG, as well as those interested on joining the Club!
Note: This activity is free of charge, but registration is kindly requested via connect@vhdg.nl
This program will be in English.
About the workshop: Solidarity & Mutual Support in the Arts
14:00 – 17:00hs
Being an artist isn’t always easy—many creatives struggle with unstable income, housing insecurity, and a lack of proper support systems. But why is that? And more importantly, what can we do about it together? In this workshop, we’ll explore the challenges of the artistic life and brainstorm how Club VHDG might be part of the solution. It’s a space for open conversation, fresh ideas, and collective thinking. The insights we gather will help shape the future programming of Club VHDG.
About the Collective dinner
17:00 – 18:30hs
The act of cooking together can be seen as a creative process, where research, exploration, experimentation, failing, learning, and succeeding are part of. During this session, participants will be provided with an array of local products for them to self-organize and collectively prepare a meal. Communication, co-creating, and decision making will be central, while at the same time, we will get to know each other, concluding by enjoying dinner together. Note: the dinner with be vegetarian with vegan options. Further dietary requests? Email us via connect@vhdg.nl
One Club, many possibilities
As a Club member, you are welcome to organise programme activities, in cooperation with the Club coordinator. If your interest lies more in becoming part of the community, you can join the activities as a participant, supporting the group and enhancing each other’s knowledge and experience.
Become a Club member!
Does this appeal to you and would you like to join the Club! Send a short e-mail to club@vhdg.nl telling us something about yourself, your studies or your current practice; and briefly state why you would like to join Club VHDG. You will hear from us soon. We are also open to questions, suggestions and collaborations!
What can you expect once you join the Club?
Inspiring monthly activities, such as excursions and site visits, feedback sessions, joint meals, reading groups, networking drinks, group exhibitions and club nights; these mainly take place at VHDG’s headquarters, located in the centre of Leeuwarden.
Club members support each other and, together with the Club coordinator, facilitate the programme of activities. It is therefore important that you can regularly be physically present at the activities.
Photo 1 and 2: Maarten Dikken
Photo 3: David Vroom
