The Netherlands Film Institute relocated its operation to a glistening, modernist structure on the northern banks of the IJ waterfront. Its existence is iconic of the northern regeneration.
Developers are clamouring for a stake in this desirable northern territory, seeking to cash in on the zeitgeist and its canvas bag-carrying colonists.
The old headquarters of the Dutch oil giant Shell have been transformed into a “cultural playground”.
The artistic director of the Tolhuistuin (Toll House Garden), Chris Keulemans, says it is essential they try to ensure these two diverse communities can co-exist: “‘My concern is with the original inhabitants of this part of town.
“There is high unemployment, high crime rates, low education, low income – so a lot of people here have low horizons. We have to try to integrate both the original people and the new ones.
“We have a woman who cooks the best Surinamese dishes, she makes them and sells them here at the Tolhuistuin. It is important that we don’t alienate the people who were here first.”
Upstairs the smell of wet paint lingers. Chris Keulemans hopes that when it opens, this place will attract big-name musicians while providing a stage for local talent too: “Some of the most exciting new music is coming from here.
“There’s one really promising band – a group of high-school kids called Don’t Touch my Croque-Monsieur. They will be something we’re going to hear a lot about.”
