Wow Amsterdam

WOW combines a hostel for adventurous travellers with fifty studios for recently graduated talent from prestigious art academies such as the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Conservatorium, Filmacademie, Amsterdam Fashion Institute and Theaterschool. WOW also comprises a restaurant and urban farm. WOW forms a platform for these Artists in Residence and offers space but also exposure and room to experiment. Acting as a springboard in professionalisation and entrepreneurship, WOW builds bridges between new talents and renowned artists and institutions. Together with the Artists in Residence WOW produces a dynamic cultural programme in which the local community plays a large part. Exhibitions, music nights, film screenings and workshops for kids are all part of the mix. WOW is present in the city, at Amsterdam Fashion Week, Museumnacht and KunstRAI, among others. For public and professionals alike, WOW is the place to discover new talent. Artists from WOW have been recognised with nominations and prizes such as the Prix de Rome, the Royal Award for Modern Painting and the Dutch Design Awards. WOW recently started a training programme for 21 asylum status holders, together with ROC van Amsterdam, a school. During six months, participants gain experience in hospitality and receive language training. Afterwards, they start work at another company with the intention of finding employment.