About – Foundation B.a.d.

History

Foundation B.a.d. is an artists’ initiative in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, that began in 1987 when a group of art students occupied a decommissioned bathhouse. The experience was short-lived but influential because it led to the establishing of a foundation. Stichting B.a.d. was formally founded in 1988 (Foundation B.a.d.—‘bad’ means ‘bath’ in Dutch). B.a.d. has participated in several international exhibitions, such as Manifesta 1 (with with NEsTWORK, 1996, Rotterdam), Democracy! at the Royal College of Art (2000, London), and My Home Is Yours/Your Home Is Mine (2000, Tokyo and Seoul). In 2001, B.a.d. began a long-term sustainability project called B.a.d. To The Future! we wanted to secure the building for future use, which included finding new partners and renovating the building.

Location

Since 1991, Foundation B.a.d. has been situated in the south of Rotterdam in a former girls’ school, called De Wiekslag, that taught domestic crafts. Architects Kuiper, Gouwetor & De Ranitz designed the building, which was built between 1953 and 1955. It’s near the river Maas and surrounded by the contrasting environments of parkland, residential areas and Rotterdam’s massive industrial harbour. Situated on Talingstraat, we are in the leafy neighbourhood of Charlois – a residential area popular with the creative community. The building’s location offers an oasis for artistic activity among a growing network of creative practitioners.

What we do

We provide accommodation and studios to our members and a venue for presentations and events. We offer temporary guest studios for local and international artists. Over thirty years, we have hosted more than 400 guests from around the world and organized many exhibitions and events, such as concerts and symposia. We have a large hall and garden. They can be used for artistic and social activities. Foundation B.a.d. offers an enjoyable and productive place for artists to live and work.