About Archipel
𝔸𝕣𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕡𝕖𝕝 is not only a studio but also a place for growth and encounters, an inclusive learning space that builds bridges to the neighbourhood and city through participatory projects and experiments with politically inclusive models of collaboration.
𝔸𝕣𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕡𝕖𝕝 is a driving force for art and culture in the emerging neighbourhood and aims to establish itself there permanently.
Antwerp Art Weekend
2025 Rendez-Vous
At the former industrial Engie site on Lobroekdok, Archipellers present their work in pairs or collectives.
Interdisciplinary collaborations give rise to a rich dialogue that reinforces the diversity of these artists. Rendez-vous is a kaleidoscope of ideas, techniques and perspectives that complement and challenge each other. It is an experiment in collaboration, in which artists interact with each other and search for a common narrative or, conversely, a contrast.
This exhibition invites visitors not only to experience the artworks, but also to discover the symbiosis, interactions and relationships between them. Rendez-vous is an encounter, a moment of connection – between the artists themselves and between the artists and their audience.
More than an exhibition, Rendez-vous is a meeting place: a space for discovery, dialogue and forging new connections.
With the support of District Antwerp and the City of Antwerp
On Dam Square, where the city is transforming and new plans for the future are being born, the Mini Museum takes you on a journey through the past, present and future of this unique neighbourhood. Here, in De Groene Poort, water once again plays a leading role: 't Schijn is being uncovered in the ring park, and we will once again be able to swim in the Lobroekdok, just as the skippers once did.
Water as a binding agent, as a memory, and as a promise for the future.
‘Back in the day, we used to catch eels with forks,’ says Bob, a Damwijk resident who proudly shares his story. Memories of the hard work of the skippers, slaughterers and dock workers are deeply rooted in the streets of this neighbourhood.
In the Mini Museum, you can discover these stories through photographs, art and a digital time capsule, as well as through animations that interweave the rich history of Den Dam with De Groene Poort's vision for the future.
Vernissage and opening festival:
22 March 2025 – Zompig Zootje
– a festive opening on World Water Day!
Come and discover the stories for yourself and celebrate the start of a special exhibition.
The exhibition “Den Dam en 't Water” can be visited on the first and last Sunday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and during the Antwerp Art weekend.
First Sunday: 6 April, 4 May, 1 June 2025
Last Sunday: 30 March, 27 April, 25 May 2025
AAW: 29, 30, 31 May 2025
Where?
In a converted lorry trailer on Lange Lobroekstraat, near the future Pieter Densplein.
Come and muse on the meandering past of the Dam district and discover the plans for a green future. Meet the Dammeneires. Dream of a future in which water once again sets the rhythm of daily life.
Practical information:
Don't miss the Damstories audio tour and let yourself be guided through the streets of Den Dam with stories that come to life.
Do you have a story to share? Or would you like to book a private session?
Send an email to damstories2060@gmail.com.
An initiative of Rooftoptiger vzw in collaboration with the local artists' workplace Archipel at Lobroekdok.
With the support of: Climate Fund, City of Antwerp, Flemish Community, District of Antwerp, Lantis and Triple Living.
Credits:
Curator: Yentl Demunter, local skipper's daughter and artist in Archipel.
Sound editing: Yann Geaudeuille.
During these three months, work will be done on a participatory artwork, which will grow each week and be delivered at the finissage on 8 June.
Design of the MeerMin art commission: Dries Willems.
Execution: Dries Willems, Bram Rombouts in collaboration with Simon Ogiers and the primary school children of Dam.
Het Mini Museum
De Kunst Van De Werken
Together with Lantis and Archipel kunstenwerkplek, we are working on the project 'De Kunst van de Werken' (The Art of Working), a huge mural on the concrete walls of the approach to the Ijzerlaan cycle bridge over the Albert Canal. Artist Zahra Eljadid, from Den Dam, will create and execute the design.
The artwork will represent a sound wave. A sound clip of the existing viaduct will be recorded and converted into a striped pattern, which will serve as the basis for the underlayer on which Zahra will create her design. The sound of the viaduct, which currently permeates the entire neighbourhood, will soon be a thing of the past once the works are completed.
Daniel Granados & M31
In collaboration with Lantis - Bouwheer Oosterweel verbinding, City of Antwerpen, District of Antwerpen and Triple Living
