When it’s your birthday, you treat
Smith-Europe 55 years! In celebration of our 55th anniversary, we treated the artists of Galerie Herenplaats in Rotterdam to festive muffins today. Smith-Europe has a special connection with Galerie Herenplaats — several of their artworks adorn our office. The gallery provides artists with an intellectual disability or psychiatric background a place to develop their talents and grow professionally.
Since 1991, Herenplaats has been Rotterdam’s center for artists with a unique story. Around 35 artists visit the studio on Schietbaanstraat in the city center every day.
People with artistic talent who have an intellectual disability or psychiatric background are rarely admitted to regular art academies. Herenplaats has therefore developed a tailored art education program for them. The lessons are taught by professional visual artists and art teachers. After successfully completing the program, students can join the artists’ collective.
Founded in 1991, Atelier Herenplaats now provides space for 30 full-time artists, with an additional 15 participating part-time throughout the week. Some of these 45 artists have been part of the studio since its very beginning.
We hold Galerie Herenplaats and its artists close to our hearts.
