* The pivot of the Rotterdam art week is Art Rotterdam (May 19-22). In the Van Nellefabriek (1), more than a hundred galleries from home and abroad present new work by young and established artists. Moreover, the fair is the permanent place of prospect. This exhibition shows work by 88 starting artists who have received a financial contribution from the Mondriaan Fund. Also keep an eye out for the large outdoor artworks around the factory.
* At design fair Property Rotterdam (2) galleries, small design labels and individual designers can be found (20-22 May). Visitors have free access to the Euromast.
* On Rotterdam Photo (3) independent photographers exhibit their projects. The presentations (18-22 May) can be seen in sea containers, among other things.
* Raw, unpolished, young: The Rotterdam platform The New Current wants to open up the art world for a new generation. The annual exhibition with (audiovisual) art, crossovers and performances is the secret tip of the Rotterdam Art Week. All 25 artists graduated no more than five years ago.
* Dozens of Rotterdam artists hold open studios. They talk about their work in the making. There are studio complexes in the port area Art & Complex (5) and Sturgeon (6). Near the Art Rotterdam art fair are the Borgerstraat Studios (7). Read three short interviews with artists in these studio complexes here.
† Garage Rotterdam is a contemporary art exhibition space, located in an old Volkswagen garage. In the exhibition For What it’s Worth (until 10 July) eight artists reflect critically and poetically on the economic system.
* Brutus is a raw exhibition complex where artists are given carte blanche to experiment and manipulate this place.
† The Industrial Building (HIG), a national monument from 1951, houses 280 entrepreneurs and companies. After a thorough renovation in 2015, an art collection has grown – including murals. Worth a visit for the art and architecture. HIG can be visited from 14 May every Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 3 p.m.
Five walking routes have been set out for the Rotterdam Art Week. They cover the five ‘focus areas’ of the art week: the Merwe-Vierhaven area (M4H), around the Van Nelle factory, the Kop Van Zuid, the Museum Park and the vicinity of the Central Station. View all walking routes on rotterdamartweek.info/routes/