In rot•zooi, a project born out of the ruins of the childcare benefits scandal, seven young people from Rotterdam transform their personal stories into powerful works of art. Their work, the result of a creative programme at Theater Rotterdam, will be on view at the Kunsthal from Saturday 20 February to Sunday 15 March. The exhibition presents deeply personal artworks that testify to resilience, creativity and a fierce drive to claim the space they deserve.
Since September 2025, the young creatives Eleanor Boedhai, Allyssa Lopes Fortes, Xavira Latina, Rashwan Jogi, 746NESS, Risha Virginie and Chavelly Lopes Fortes have been given the opportunity to create their own artwork as part of a paid programme. The works are being developed under the close guidance of leading artists such as Stacii Samidin, Xaviera Altena, Sioe Jeng Tsao, Jane Stjeward-Schubert (Tailors & Wearers), Brian Elstak and Max Rijkers (Studio Glasrijk).
The exhibition at the Kunsthal shows how personal experiences can grow into powerful artistic statements. All works will be auctioned on Valentine’s Day at Theater Rotterdam, prior to the opening. The full proceeds will go directly to the makers themselves.
rot•zooi is an initiative of Theater Rotterdam, Stichting Schouders-Eronder and Reset Yourself, supported by the Dutch Fund for Cultural Participation and the Municipality of Rotterdam.
