Are you a maker and want to exhibit your work? Sign up for Closet full of happiness
In the entrance hall of Platform C are ten display cabinets that have been filled with works of art and creative objects since May 2023. Together, under the name Kastje vol geluk, these cabinets form an accessible exhibition platform for makers from the Amstelland region. You may have already walked past them, but if you stop for a moment, you will see how varied and personal the work displayed here is.
Since its inception almost two years ago, over fifty creators have participated. Each round, new participants provide a changing presentation. The work ranges from paintings and photography to wooden objects, sculptures and other creative works. The display cases are visible from outside and inside. This puts the work right in the middle of the daily stream of visitors.
An idea that started with empty cupboards
The initiative for Kastje vol geluk comes from Lenneke Heijjer, studio owner and team leader at Cultuurpunt Aalsmeer. When the display cases became vacant after the departure of the Kunstuitleen, she immediately saw the possibilities.
"I know how much need there is for people to show their work," Lenneke says. "Not everyone is in a collective, participates in art tours or is at fairs. But there are so many people who make beautiful things and are proud of them. For them, I wanted to create a place where they could make themselves visible as makers."
That idea grew into a permanent exhibition opportunity.
Surprisingly diverse
What surprised Lenneke from the beginning is the wide variety of work. "I honestly thought it would be mostly paintings, but it's much broader: photography, sculptures, wood and objects. It's precisely this diversity that makes it fun to walk past the cabinets."
Each participant gets two display cases and decorates them as they see fit. This also requires something of the maker himself. "You start thinking about presentation, about what you want to show and whether you want to sell something or not. It's more than just putting your work up."
That visibility, moreover, can produce great things. Some makers sell work, others come into contact with interested parties. Regularly, the exhibitions lead to studio visits or new commissions. "It starts with being seen," Lenneke says.
Call: sign up (including youth and children)
Starting in February, there is again room for new participants. Those who want to participate should be quick. A maximum of five makers can exhibit per round.
Lenneke additionally makes an additional appeal, "I would love to also see more children and young people making something and daring to show it here."
Practical information and registration
- Up to five creators per round participate
- Each participant will receive two display cases
- Dimensions per cabinet: 200 x 50 x 50 cm
- Exhibition period: about two months
- Participation is free
- Anything that fits in the closet can be displayed*
- Makers provide their own set-up, any promotion and emptying of cabinets
- No commission is charged on sales
- Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis
- Participation is possible for makers from the municipality of Amstelland
You can sign up via this link
This is also where all terms and conditions can be found.
* The exhibited works are not insured. Platform C / Lenneke Heijjer bears no responsibility or liability for any damage, loss or theft.
