A memorable year for our Art Foundation
In 2018, the AkzoNobel Art Foundation and its Art Space in Amsterdam became part of the company’s heartbeat more than ever before. Located at the AkzoNobel Center, the Art Space has welcomed over 120,000 visitors, celebrating its diversity both internally and externally.
Robert Zandvliet, Untitled, 2007, tempera on canvas
Guido van der Werve, Nummer acht – Everything is going to be alright, 2007, 16mm film transferred to video (color, sound). Courtesy Rabobank Art Collection
Photo: Martin van Welzen
Damien Hirst, Untitled, 1992, eight-color silk screen, matte varnish
Isaac Julien, Stones Against Diamonds, 2016, premier photograph
Photo: Martin van Welzen
The year’s main highlight was the launch of the current Common Ground exhibition, which was officially opened by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Ingrid van Engelshoven. The event was hosted by AkzoNobel CEO and Chairman of the Art Foundation, Thierry Vanlancker.
Other memorable moments this year included the Oso Couture Fashion Show, the premiere of the Common Ground documentary and various sustainability and educational programs for national and international schools and universities – including the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and the Barlaeus Gymnasium.
“We’re looking forward to 2019,” says Hester Alberdingk Thijm, Director of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation. “We plan to continue setting up exhibitions, contributing to worthwhile multidisciplinary projects and, above all, remaining a visible and inspiring presence for AkzoNobel and the outside world. We are grateful for the opportunity to let the art speak its universal language and show the genuine passion for paint we’ve had at the Art Foundation since 1995!”