Rotterdam, 8 June 2016

This summer, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Kunsthal Rotterdam and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen join forces for Rotterdam Xpanded. From 18 June through 18 September 2016, these three leading art institutes present a multidisciplinary programme in and around the Museumpark, featuring remarkable films and exhibitions by internationally acclaimed and pioneering artists. And there is more to relish, from amazing music and delicious food to inspiring workshops. The three programmes that constitute Rotterdam Xpanded coincide for five days: from 13 to 17 July. This is celebrated with a festive evening on Wednesday 13 July at the Museumpark.

Rotterdam Xpanded is a unique long-term collaboration between the city of Rotterdam, the business community and prominent cultural institutions, aiming to boost the cultural aura of Rotterdam. Its initiators – IFFR’s managing director Janneke Staarink, managing director of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Ina Klaassen and general manager of Kunsthal Rotterdam Emily Ansenk – are very pleased with the first Rotterdam Xpanded.

Ina Klaassen: “Through this unique alliance between three cultural institutions and Rotterdam’s business community, we develop something special, something we couldn’t achieve separately. Not only do we offer visitors to the city of Rotterdam an extraordinary art experience; with Rotterdam Xpanded we also provide the city with more clout to capitalise its cultural pole position in Rotterdam.”

Emily Ansenk: “By joining hands, we are better equipped to show what Rotterdam has to offer in the cultural sphere. Seeing all the great things we have to offer, Rotterdam can attract many more art-loving visitors. And now with the business community joining forces with us too, the opportunities are huge. With the combined programme of Rotterdam Xpanded, we hope to be a catalyst for tourism in Rotterdam.”

Janneke Staarink: “Rotterdam Xpanded is a growth model, with the current cultural institutions and businesses as its point of departure. The intention is to strongly expand this cooperation in the coming years with more internationally operating cultural organisations and more commercial partners.”

18 June through 18 September

This summer, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen re-exhibits the installation Notion motion (2005) by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson (1967). Eliasson specially created this monumental art work for Boijmans. It consists of three different light projections that explore the interaction between water, light and the viewer. Notion motion uses as many as 20,562 litres of water and 800 pieces of duckboard. The piece was donated to the museum in 2005 by the Han Nefkens Foundation.

2 July through 11 September

In Botero: Celebrate Life!, Kunsthal displays almost one hundred paintings, drawings and pastels by the world-renowned Columbian artist Fernando Botero (1932). It also includes a few sculptures, the eye-stopper being Caballo, a monumental sculpture of a horse. This retrospective of Botero’s sizeable oeuvre comprises the favourite works of the artist himself. Every week of the exhibition, Kunsthal hosts Latin Life Sundays, featuring music, dance, food, cocktails, theatre, poetry and circus.

13 through 17 July  

In the centre of the Museumpark, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) erects its tents during IFFR White Nights. Under a white canvass roof, short films will be shown, shot in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon and Tunisia. IFFR White Nights exhibits the pool of talent entering Europe as a result of the inflow of refugees. Every day, the programme features a music documentary and a feature film, there are workshops and visitors can enjoy great food. One of the tents is programmed by Het Nieuwe Instituut. IFFR White Nights is supported by Rotterdam Festivals.

Partners of the first edition of Rotterdam Xpanded are PWC, NautaDutilh and the City of Rotterdam and is supported by Rotterdam Partners.

Diederik van Dommelen, partner Tax at PWC: “Culture is also economy. A living and vibrant city that is constantly moving conduces a healthy investment climate. Rotterdam Xpanded brings on the vibe we’re looking for." 

For information and tickets: 

www.rotterdamxpanded.com

facebook.com/rotterdamxpanded

instagram.com/rotterdamxpanded