Martin Schelstraete
Art MAKES Amsterdam – Amsterdam MAKES art

As part of Amsterdam 750, kunstRUIM is organizing the exhibition Art MAKES Amsterdam – Amsterdam MAKES art from October 1 to November 2, 2025. This event offers a unique look at the role of artists in the city: how they continue to create and contribute to Amsterdam’s culture despite increasingly scarce space. In addition to the exhibition, there are open studios, workshops and as icing on the birthday cake, the gallery is specially opened on Monday 27 October, the birthday of Amsterdam, with a drink for the local residents to celebrate this day! KunstRUIM can be visited at Jodenbreestraat 25 (entrance Valkenburgerstraat) from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 – 5PM. The festive opening is on Saturday 4 October from 4 PM. Admission is free.

During the exhibition, 36 artists – participants of kunstRUIM – show their work. Visitors can be inspired by photographs, paintings, drawings, jewellery, wall and wooden objects and ceramics. It is not art about Amsterdam, but art from Amsterdam: work that arises, grows and flourishes in the city.

What is special is that several participating artists temporarily move their workplace to the gallery during the exhibition. Visitors can not only admire the works of art, but also

experience the creative process yourself and talk to the artist(s). How does a wooden wall object come about? How does an artist work with clay or paint? Where does their inspiration come from? The exhibition offers an inspiring insight into the many manifestations and working methods of contemporary Amsterdam art and artists.

In addition, there are also workshops in the gallery. Here’s how you can get started yourself during a free walk-in workshop ‘Portrait drawing’ by Ingrid Pijl (11 and 12 October), a free walk-in workshop Papercutting Art led by the Dutch Association for Papercutting – decorate your own A’Damduif! (27 October) – and a workshop Infrared photography by Ariane James (1 November).

Participating artists: Simone Bosch • Nelleke Bosland • Roland Broekhuis • Niek Bruynzeel • Elly Bunder • Eva van Diepen • Dick van Dijk • Inge van den Hoven • Ariane James • Josee Jansen • Wim Kannekens • Tineke van der Kraan Pouw • Sandrina Kreek • Marjan Lahnstein • Paul Latta • Berthe Lemmens • Saskia Lensink • Nienke van der Maar • Clare McGrath • Caroline Meerum Terwogt • Vonne van der Meulen • Dorien Mos • Maurice Niemel • Rawnie Parson-Lock • Ingrid Pijl • Hugo Rompa •  Felicity Rowe • Daniella Rubinovitz • Martin Schelstraete • Jonathan Schuit • Jacqueline Steinhoff • Martin Stoete • Mieke Teelen • Peter Vial • Brenda Willems • Monica de Wit

Practical information

• Festive opening: Saturday 4 October from 4 PM.
• Extra open: Monday 27 October 2025 – Amsterdam’s birthday | 12-7PM
  • with a free walk-in workshop throughout the day
  • Neighbourhood drink on 750 years of Amsterdam | 4–7 PM | with live music
• Location: kunstRUIM | Jodenbreestraat 25, Amsterdam

This event is made possible by Mensen Maken Amsterdam and carried out with with the help of the participating artists and the Dutch Association for Papercutting.