Passion for artistry

The Urban region Arnhem Nijmegen has a passion for artistry, and the added advantage is that the creative sector greatly contributes to the regional economy. The creative ‘industry’ in the region is almost as important as the building industry, education and health care

Besides offering creative training courses, Cool Region harbours many painters, sculptors, industrial designers, graphic designers, fashion designers and silversmiths. There are ateliers, workshops, big and small galleries and sculpture gardens in and around the cities of Arnhem en Nijmegen. In Arnhem, a quarter of the work force belongs to the creative ‘industry’, and in Nijmegen no less than one-third. In the Netherlands, only the city of Utrecht counts more creative professionals.

Nijmegen and Arnhem hold great attraction for artistic students, who often stay in the region after their studies. That is why a great deal of exceptional and much talked-about art can flourish. This is encouraged by the cities which ensure that there are enough collective business premises where creative young talents can make a start.

Many artists have joined forces in the knowledge that they can achieve more results when working together. This is the underlying idea of the projects Arnhem aan zee and Nijmegen aan zee (both Dutch only) . The Visual Artists Association [Gemeenschap Beeldende Kunstenaars] (Dutch only) wants artists to have more influence on government policies and Design Platform Arnhem [Ontwerp Platform Arnhem, OPA] tries to relate designers better to clients.

And of course, Arnhem Nijmegen Cool Region has also some important art museums. There is the Modern Art Museum Arnhem [Museum voor Moderne Kunst Arnhem], which exhibits contemporarily and recently made work. Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen not only exhibits modern art but also pays attention to the city’s rich Roman past.

If you would like to acquire or rent articles of art, please contact one of the branches of Centre for Visual Arts Gelderland [Centrum Beeldende Kunst Gelderland].