Rotterdam is under pressure – socially, economically and culturally. Existing systems fail to address the problems many Rotterdammers face. We believe that artists and city shapers play an important role in addressing the big questions of today. 

engage 2025 is a happening in which makers, residents, entrepreneurs and activists gather to make these questions visible. It is a process that starts from what is already going on, and keeps moving in what is yet to come. Because we don’t want another event that comes and goes, but want to create something that keeps moving. And we’re starting in the Cool-Zuid neighbourhood. 

engage is not a white cube exhibition, not a temporary party.

It is an open invitation to get involved, connect and imagine.

It is a movement, not a prestige project.

It is an intervention, not a showcase.

Our city’s residents have many talents, and we want to share them with you. By bringing our city’s talents together, we hope to make them even more visible. 

We stand for

• Cooperation instead of competition
• A plurality of voices and perseverance instead of singularity 
• Friction and beauty instead of smoothness
• Long-term commitment instead of temporary impact
• Art for public connection instead of private enrichment

We want to

• Make big and small issues visible
• Bring together makers, residents, entrepreneurs and activists
• Create spaces for experimentation, conversation and imagination – in the streets, in the neighbourhood and in unexpected places
• Make Rotterdam (even) more fun
• See no end date yet

With and by

• Rotterdammers who want to make, share, research or question something
• Rotterdammers who would rather build together than dream alone
• Rotterdammers who are willing to meet the challenges of today