Shunter becomes a new venue on South for music, performance, film and art

Sanne Huijsmans, Mark van Gogh (POING) and Onno Lorenz (DOHM) have taken the initiative for Shunter. A new venue in Rotterdam-Zuid for music, live performances, film screenings and multidisciplinary art projects. Shunter will settle in a former NS maintenance hall next to Rotterdam-Zuid station this spring. A crowdfunding campaign via Voordekunst will start on 4 February to make Shunter suitable.

The stage caters to makers and audiences curious about working at the intersection of electronic music, image, light, performance and conversation. Shunter programmes evenings to dance as well as moments to watch, listen and reflect. It is set up as a temporary project with the intention of a minimum of three years. In the first year, Shunter will programme at least six multidisciplinary weekenders: compact editions in which music, light and audiovisual art, screenings, listening sessions, panel discussions and workshops form a whole.

Shunter basically runs during the day and in the evening, with a limited number of times a year when the programme continues until a bit later. The starting point is a place where different audiences can meet, with space for nightlife as well as a strong daytime and arts programme.

Location

Shunter is located in a former train maintenance hall where rolling stock used to be repaired and prepared for new journeys. The rails still run through the main space and remain a visible part of the building. Inside, Shunter can accommodate around 800 to 1,000 visitors, divided between a large main hall, a smaller second hall, a separate bar area and an exhibition area. Outside, there are two areas that can be used for special occasions, with a total capacity of up to about 1,500 visitors.

The industrial nature of the hall guides the programming. Shunter develops editions and productions that fit the scale, acoustics and spaciousness of the building, paying attention to a careful rhythm through the day and evening.

In the coming period, Shunter will work on collaborations in Rotterdam and Rotterdam-Zuid, including with cultural and educational institutions and local initiatives. The stage is open to proposals from artists, collectives and programmers working with hybrid forms: live shows, audiovisual work, installations, performance, dance and new combinations of disciplines.

Crowdfunding

To make the building suitable for the public, investments are needed in basic facilities. Think sound insulation, a sound system, toilets and a bar infrastructure. Shunter will therefore launch a crowdfunding campaign via Voordekunst on 4 February. With the campaign, Shunter mobilises the public and its network of makers to make the opening possible.