EKWC is an international artist-in-residence and centre-of-excellence for ceramics. For over 50 years, artists, designers and architects from all over the world have worked here to experiment with clay. The experiments result in both special works of art and technical innovations. The works developed here are shown in museums from New York to Tokyo. What makes EKWC special is the combination of world-class facilities, the presence of consultants with internationally leading technical knowledge and the openness to freely share recipes, processes and innovations.
The centre is located in the former dyeing and tannery of the Royal United Leather Factory in Oisterwijk, the Netherlands. A monumental building that was once the largest leather factory in Europe. A place where history, inspiration and making are combined for more than a century.
mission
EKWC’s mission is to further develop the material ceramics and to promote its application in art, design and architecture.
history
The history of EKWC starts on December 7, 1969 in Heusden. The Ceramic Work Centre (KWC) was founded on the initiative of ceramicist Jan Oosterman and curator Bernardine de Neeve of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. At that time, the centre was primarily intended to provide Kiln facilities. It soon became clear that this was not only efficient, but that it also promoted collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The number of facilities has grown over the years. The KWC offered workshops and seminars and contacts with museums, galleries and (potential) art buyers. In 1991 the centre moved to larger premises in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Due to new, international ambitions, the name changed to EKWC (European Ceramic Work Centre). Thanks to 11 studios spread over two floors, 45 artists-in-residence could be welcomed per year.
The mix of facilities, knowledge and contacts offer career opportunities. Not only for skilled ceramicists, but also for other disciplines. Since the early 1990s, more and more non-ceramicists have registered for a working period. The resulting experiment, technical development and dynamic ensured that the centre occupied an increasingly relevant position in the field of ceramics; indirectly the EKWC influences the (international) world of art, design and architecture
In 2015 the centre moved to its current location. With 16 workspaces, the current building offers the possibility to welcome 60 participants every year. In addition to a studio and apartment, artists-in-residence gain access to the workshop with various kilns, a specialized team, a plaster, glaze, wood, metal and research department, a spray booth and a library that is accessible day and night.
Thanks to the spacious building, EKWC is now able to also receive general public, higher education and business groups. The centre frequently collaborates with international art academies, scientific institutes, galleries, museums and the (ceramic) industry. Knowledge acquired in both technical and artistic fields is recorded, made available and distributed internationally in the form of masterclasses, exhibitions and publications as before.
Experienced artists and young talents work side by side at EKWC. Over the years, the institute has received many talents and renowned names for a working period, such as Tony Cragg, Anish Kapoor, Jose Maria Sicilia, Kimpei Nakamura, Jun Kaneko, Karin Arink, Thom Puckey and Tom Claassen.
Staff
Sander Alblas | sander@ekwc.nl
Advisor 3D and digital
Froukje van Baren | froukje@ekwc.nl
Advisor workshop
Linda Barkhuijsen | linda@ekwc.nl
Housekeeping
Yves Brandsma | yves@ekwc.nl
Maintenance
Annelies Broenink | annelies@ekwc.nl
Tours, events and shop
Luc Daamen | luc@ekwc.nl
Advisor workshop
Geertje Jacobs | geertje@ekwc.nl
Director
Katrin König | katrin@ekwc.nl
Advisor workshop
Debbie Lutter
Workshop assistant
Tjalling Mulder | tjalling@ekwc.nl
Advisor workshop
Katrina Niebergal | katrina@ekwc.nl
Advisor workshop
Monique Ouwers | monique@ekwc.nl
Housekeeping
Pierluigi Pompei | pierluigi@ekwc.nl
Advisor mold-making
Ingrid Thijssen | ingrid@ekwc.nl
Office manager
Nico Thöne | nico@ekwc.nl
Program manager
We are lucky to have an enthousiastic group of volunteers who help us with the shop, archive, library and photography. Would you be interested to join them? Please contact geertje@ekwc.nl
supervisory board
Chair: Irene Fortuyn (artist)
Lucienne van Dijk
Anne Wenzel (artist)
Tet Reuver (independant consultant)
The board works completely unpaid
anbi
EKWC is qualified as Cultural ANBI: a non-profit Public Benefit Organization.
VAT number: NL 0029 200 62 B01
address: see contact details
supervisory board: see board
For an overview of 2020:
Annual report 2020 (in Dutch): download here
Financial statement 2020 (in Dutch): download here
Annual report 2021 (in Dutch): download here
Financial statement 2021: download here
Annual report 2022 (in Dutch): download here
Financial statement 2022: download here
Annual report 2023 (in Dutch): download here
Financial statement 2023: please contact info@ekwc.nl
