MAMA

MAMA is a platform for visual culture in Rotterdam. We develop young talent through productions and presentations at the interface of art and popular culture. MAMA realizes presentations, exhibitions, books and magazines, performances, master classes, and events in its showroom, online, and on location, both locally and internationally.

MAMA's programme is rooted in youth and popular culture and takes place in areas where broader cultural developments – social, technological, economic – become visible within contemporary art practice. New tendencies often emerge outside of the institutional context – online and offline, the private sphere and public domain. This setting is where collective activity thrives and where culture and creativity can manifest beyond institutional consent. MAMA closely follows the developments of a young generation of artists, striving to achieve this through invitation, support, and development.

Above all, MAMA is a community. MAMA works together with a large and diverse group of emerging professionals: MAMA's Artistic New Talents (ANTS). They provide feedback, solicited and unsolicited, on our content and the direction of the programme and the organisation. Many have become staff members or participated in our exhibitions and projects. Our supporters – both organisation and audience – are actively engaged, ambitious, and articulate.
Talent development goes beyond providing education. The conditions for talent development surpass the offer of a curriculum and knowledge; it takes shape in an environment where those open to this idea can develop their talent, make their own choices, experiment, and innovate. The threshold to join should not be an obstacle, but the bar should and must be set high. Strong role models, critical feedback, and ample interaction with like-minded peers and fully-fledged practitioners are key in this. MAMA provides such an environment.

With TeamMAMA, MAMA interweaves its artistic programme and focus on talent development. Our staff, artists, and supporters present themselves to the world as a continually expanding collective, influencing the choices in programming, communication, and organisational partners. TeamMAMA emphasises collectivity and welcomes diverse voices in the programme.