The Rijks HBS in Den Bosch: Vision
Who are we?
One of the oldest residential communities in the Netherlands, which has been committed to the preservation of this monumental place in the city centre, adjacent to the greenery of Den Bosch. For decades this special building has been inhabited and maintained by residents and users, consisting of a variety of creative makers. Young and old, from starter to established, all with strong social involvement.
What do we want?
Being able to live and work on your own, socially and financially, cooperatively. Maintaining monumental heritage. Our joint commitment to sustainability to make this particular place future-proof, so that the culture in the city can continue to enrich.
Our core values/pillars:
- Creative: Creative breeding ground
- On your own: Guaranteeing monumental buildings
- Social: Collective and public interest
- Sustainable: Sustaining as a driving force, in the green corridor of Den Bosch
Creative breeding ground
The Rijks HBS has been an important player in the development of Den Bosch's creative climate and culture for almost 50 years. The residents and users of the Rijks HBS, consisting of a diverse group of artists, musicians, designers, dancers, theatre makers and writers, have over the years made their mark on the art and culture in the city and beyond. Many examples: face-defining works of art and exhibitions in the city, theatre festival Boulevard, Huisvlijt/Productiehuis Brabant, V2, Ki-Aikido, Earational Festival/November Music, De Melkfabriek, Social Theater, W2 studios, Festival of Elements, Festival Woman and Film, Radio Banzai and Letterbekken, etc.
This enrichment of Den Bosch as a city of culture has not only improved the position of artists and creative makers, but has also further increased the attractiveness of "Hertogenbosch" as a vibrant and inspiring place. The added value of innovative makers in social, cultural, social and economic terms is now widely recognised within the municipality. Artists and creative entrepreneurs are important to our municipality. This will require a sufficient amount of affordable accommodation/workplaces. For today's creators, but also for future creators who are now being trained. In the unique history of the Rijks HBS it has been a coming and going of creative minds that have developed the city of culture. Besides innovation, continuity has always taken an important place. As Rijks HBS, we are a creative hub where cooperation and (knowledge) exchange takes place between residents and users as well as with the city of . We are a good mix of starting and more established makers who want to work for the same goal: enriching cultural life in Den Bosch and beyond.
On our own.
For 50 years the complex has been maintained together. We, as residents and users of the HBS, have ensured that the whole is included in the Rijksmonumentenregister and thus has a monumental status. Partly because of this, the premises are protected from demolition, which has allowed this cultural breeding ground to continue.
We want to create a safe haven for the next hundreds of years in order to retain the current functions for future generations. A personal entity in which democratic decisions are taken. A green oasis downtown, offering inspiring places to generations of creatives. We offer living and working space for which there is no place elsewhere. An alternative to the regular offer.
Despite the many investments in the complex by residents and users, due to the uncertain situation over the past 50 years, there has been no room for large-scale developments and long-term vision. This guarantee offers opportunities to invest in, among other things, further greening, sustainability and maintenance of the area and buildings.
Social
The Rijks HBS hosts a diverse group. It is this diversity from which the group derives its strength. We not only share facilities and yard, but look at each other, make joint decisions, take care of the premises and the green surroundings. As Rijks HBS, we strive for inclusiveness and participation. Social involvement is an important condition within our form of housing. Knowledge sharing and exchange are commonplace. In the future we want to encourage even more mutual exchange by e.g. creating a central meeting place including a vegetable garden. Thus we promote engagement with each other and with the complex and we are proud of that!
