On Wednesday 9 November 2022, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and Stadsform will launch the project Studio Stadswaag.
Studio Stadswaag is a co-creative process in which artists and (former) students of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, together and in dialogue with the neighborhood of the Stadswaag (a square located on the North of the Academy Campus) and its residents, examine what the stratification of the Stadswaag consists of today, what is in the balance, and how we can create harmonious connections and new realities through art in the public space.
During this first Stadswaag event, Johan Pas (art historian and head of the Academy) introduces the project by looking back at the Antwerp underground that buzzed on and around the Stadswaag from the 1950s on. He will talk to Rhea Van Der Vloet (poet, organiser, co-founder Gard Sivik), Philippe Golbert (collector and connoisseur of the 60s Antwerp scene, mod revivalist), Arno Arnouts (connoisseur of graffiti, street art and youth culture, ex-punk) and Bernaded Dexters (concert and portrait photographer, filmmaker, Stadswaag visitor).
We start with three events to rediscover the square's history. On 9 November, we will dive into the square's underground and punk history. On 23 November, we will discover the oral history and the stories of various residents and the neighbourhood committee. On 7 December, we will explore the heritage history of the square.
Studio Stadswaag is a collaboration between the District of Antwerp, the Flemish Community, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Stadsform vzw, and the University of Antwerp - Faculty of Design Sciences.
(Graphic identity Studio Stadswaag by Ines Cox and Bas Rogiers)