Space for Talent
Breda is bursting with talent, as long as you give it the space
Emma creates stop-motion animations in miniature worlds made of paper, clay, and homemade dolls. Everything she makes with her hands comes to life. She is keen to be inspired by Eastern European fairy tales and the traditional puppet theatres still common there. “I want to tell stories that slightly escape reality. Something a bit absurdist and almost scary, I love that.”
The dream: “Every culture views animation differently, which is very inspiring. I want to know and learn everything about it. And collaborate with creators from all over the world. In such a romantic old French château, for example. So everyone can do their thing there. Alone and together.”
@emma.dorren | emmadorren.com
Retaining talent
With CLIB-T, CLIB implements Breda’s cultural policy, which aims to retain talent within the city. By offering opportunities for development — and in turn enriching the city with their creativity. This is much needed, admits Emma. “Few young artists stay in Breda after their studies. There appears to be little affordable space. And many places are temporary. Then you have little room to build something.”
Luca Fay: “If you want a city to remain lively and human, you need to give space to new perspectives. And to playfulness and surprise. Art is essential in that. Truly, it’s much more than creating something beautiful.” Indi adds: “So cherish it. And make it easier for emerging creators. For example, by making vacant buildings accessible and not opposing existing initiatives, but instead supporting them.”
Luca Fay is painter and performer. Sometimes she also creates sculptures and installations. Horses are her greatest source of inspiration. “As an artist, you're often alone with your own thoughts. Being outdoors, with animals in nature, provides a nice contrast. That combination is gold for me. It keeps me balanced.”
When we speak to her, Luca is staying at a horse ranch in Germany, where she is learning about eco-construction, pigments, and living off the land. “Very inspiring and fitting for me and my work.”
The dream: her own herd and a studio at that place, among the horses. “Observing, painting, and exploring how the animals live together. And then making stories about it too.”
@lucafay | lucafay.nl
Springboard
This is exactly what CLIB-T is passionate about: helping young creators grow, both artistically and professionally. With studio space, but also personalized guidance. “As a starting point, we've created a list of our ambitions and dreams,” explains Luca Fay. “Think of sharpening your artistic vision, building a network, and also: what is needed to earn a living from this in the future?”
Coaches Mare and Ageeth assist the trio with this. They also support practical matters such as grant applications. That assistance is appreciated, because the leap into professional practice proves to be quite significant. Indi: “At art school, you don't learn much about the business side, or how to apply for a grant. But those are exactly the things you encounter in practice.”
Indi is a graphic designer. She works with graphic printing techniques and glass. Preferably in combination with sunlight. “As the day progresses, the colours change. That brings the work to life.”
“I want to raise awareness of the influence that colour can have on a space and your mood. As a child, I spent a lot of time in hospitals. Even now, I get the shivers when I step inside. Everything is clinical and cold. The reason you go there is often not pleasant – and the gloomy colours only make it worse. I would love to change that.”
The dream: “It would be absolutely wonderful if I could truly turn this into my profession. And earn my living doing what I love most.”
@inditheeuwes.nl | inditheeuwes.nl
Space, coaching, and trust
Mare: "CLIB-T not only provides you with space and coaching, but also confidence. We believe in you – and that's exactly what you need when you're just starting out. It also helps to not get stuck in ideas, but to actually turn them into action. You feel seen as a maker, and as a result, you dare to think bigger."
CLIB manages studio buildings in Breda. The number of buildings fluctuates between 10 and 15, with a total of 150 to 200 studios for artists. CLIB is supported by the Municipality of Breda. With its talent program, CLIB responds to the growing need for workspace for young makers in the city.