During the summer of 2024, we (Pip and Heather, of Art is Home) were thrilled to return to All You Can Art (AYCA) as hosting artists, leading workshops and showcasing new works at the Zomercarnaval exposition at Kunsthal Rotterdam.

AYCA is an in-depth collaboration between Kunsthal Rotterdam and Instituto Buena Bista (IBB) Curaçao, which started in 2015. After many successful editions it has become an indispensable part of the cultural landscape of Rotterdam.

Under the inspiring leadership of David Bade and Tirzo Martha, the team of artists worked closely with various neighborhood initiatives, Rotterdam artists, students, residents, entrepreneurs, and social institutions. Key partners included Reakt, Pauluskerk, and Laurens elderly care. All You Can Art highlights the essential role that art can play in fostering connection within society.

From the Kick-off event on July 19, 2024, to August 31, 2024, we moved our Art is Home studio to the open ateliers in the Kunsthal auditorium. Our participation included:

308 hours of visitor research – We invited members of the public to answer the question, “What does home look like to you?” Each participant contributed small pieces of visual art to our Art is Home huisje.

35 talented students – During six weeks of the summer school, students of all ages and backgrounds worked alongside us. We hosted an ice-breaker day, presentations, workshops, and a major project exploring the meaning of home.

3 amazing partner organizations –  We collaborated with local social institutions (REAKT, Stichting Mano, and Pauluskerk), hosting workshops and incorporating their contributions into the Zomercarnaval exposition.  

1 unforgettable final parade – As individual artists, we (Pip & Heather) were tasked with creating a roadpiece for the AYCA finissage parade. The work combined elements from our individual art practices and the collective research gathered during the project.

1 week of a stunning final exhibition – After the parade, all work created during the summer was exhibited in the Kunsthal Auditorium. This gave the public, partners, and students an opportunity to reflect on the contributions made throughout the program.

Our participation in AYCA 2024 deepened our exploration of what home means through various lenses. The extensive visitor research gave us a unique insight into the personal and collective visions of home, shaping the direction of our art and workshops. Students actively collaborated with us on our roadpiece for the finissage parade, bringing their own perspectives and creativity into the project.

Two personal pieces of Heather include a whimsical cat tree, and comfort/refuge blinds. Reflecting on the highly ranging perspectives of home, and how we often don’t consider what others deal with when the “blinds are shut”.