Manifestation Vrije Academie-Psychopolis

The Vrije Academie-Psychopolis (the Free Academy) was a unique and innovatory art education institute in The Hague in the second half of the last century. The academy had inspiring artist-teachers and was a breeding ground for a new generation of visual artists. It was an open workshop for ideas, a free space where everything seemed possible. The academy was ahead of its time in embracing new art disciplines such as sound, performance art, fashion, theater and film, utilized by artists such as Konrad Boehmer, Heinz Edelmann, Armand Perrenet, Moniek Toebosch, Jean Paul Vroom, Michel Waisvisz and Frans Zwartjes.

This summer the Vrije Academie comes back to life with three retrospective and foward-looking exhibitions and a program of lectures, workshops, film screenings and tours in Pulchri, the Haagse Kunstkring and The Grey Space.

The open workshop and free space will be revived in The Grey Space – located in the building that was the last location of the Vrije Academie – in the form of a summer school. Art academy students, former teachers and students will give workshops and present installations, work-in-progress and performances.

During the Summer School, the old electrical equipment will be in the spotlight during a series of concerts by Bianca Holst and Hero Wouters. There will be workshops by Kees van der Knaap and Mirja van der Stouwe and Martin Stoop. And there will be a program with films and performances by Alex Avgud, Justin Bentvelzen, Jean Baptiste Castel, Victoria Chaushyan, Angelica Danaka, Gerard Holthuis, Kristina Kordunian, Iris Lam, Leos, Ben van Lieshout, Paul de Mol, Pieter Molenveld, Ruud Monster, Paul de Nooijer, Natalya Papaeva, Mike Paschenegger, Hester Scheurwater, Lydia Schouten, Bart Vegter, Jacques Verbeek, Karin Wiertz and Frans Zwartjes.

Entrance is free (with the exception of some workshops), please find the public program and make a reservation via the project website.

Opening times exhibition

• Wednesday, 12:00-18:00
• Thursday, 12:00-18:00
• Friday, 12:00-18:00
• Saturday, 12:00-18:00
• Sunday, 12:00-18:00

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday The Grey Space serves dinner.

• Dinner between 18:30 and 21:00, cafe and terrace are open between 16:00-22:00.
• Payment at the bar (pin only).
• Students get 20% discount on the drink menu.
• Reservations: via reservations@thegreyspace.net or a DM on Facebook or Instagram. Please mention your name, the amount of guests, the date and which dish you would like.