Behind the impressive façade on Oosterpark lies a world that many local residents still don’t know about. In this edition of Faces of De Plantage, we speak with Isabelle, coordinator of the KIT Theater and community manager at KIT.
Who are you and where do you find energy in your work?
“I’m Isabelle and I work as coordinator of the KIT Theater and community manager for the SDG House Amsterdam, which is also located in our building. Three years ago, I was invited back after being away for 13 years. I had previously worked here as a programmer at the Tropentheater, but in the meantime a lot had changed. The stage and restaurant had closed, the technical installations in the theater had been condemned, and the entire theater organization – including the publicity network – had disappeared.
So I really started from scratch. But now we once again have lighting and sound, we can host performances, debates and concerts, and there is once again a beautiful stage in Amsterdam East. I’m proud of that. This 180-seat venue is once again used for music, dance, theatre, film and meaningful conversations.”
What happens here that the neighbourhood might not know?
“Behind this impressive façade, an enormous amount is happening. KIT is still an internationally leading knowledge institute and, since 2013, also a campus focused on sustainability and global inclusivity. Around forty organizations are based here, working on themes such as health, agriculture, gender equality and fair trade, inspired by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The KIT building went fully off gas 1.5 years ago, making it a sustainable example within the city.
Since last autumn, Conscious V Hotel Oosterpark has moved in, and the new restaurant Orchid House – with a beautiful terrace overlooking Oosterpark – brings a fresh vibe to the neighbourhood.
And what few people know: Kids van Amsterdam are also based here. Children from Amsterdam (East) come here after school for dance lessons, guidance and a safe space to develop their talents. That brings so much energy into the building.”
You mentioned a special project you’re proud of?
“Yes, together with young people from the ‘Issue Killers’ program, we created an exhibition about homeless youth. With photographer and Parool journalist Debra Barraud (Humans of Amsterdam), eight portraits were made of people in Amsterdam who were (sometimes temporarily) homeless. They are now on display in the KIT café.
It brings everything together: the youth program, KIT’s social mission and the theater as a place for storytelling.”
What is your hidden gem in De Plantage?
“The Plantagepaleis at Nieuwe Herengracht 99. It’s inhabited by an Amsterdam family with a love for art, culture and sharing beautiful moments. They open their home free of charge because they believe it is a place to be shared.
They host free living room concerts around a beautiful old Steinway grand piano. It’s an intimate venue for up to fifty people. I find that very special.”
Who would you like to meet there?
“I would love to attend a concert there by recorder player Lucie Horsch. I find it incredible how much sound and expression she can draw from a recorder. In such an intimate space as the Plantagepaleis, it would be truly beautiful.”
The previous interviewee (Rosalinda from the Dutch National Opera) asked:
Why is it no longer called the Tropeninstituut?
“The building is almost 100 years old and was originally founded as a colonial institute. The name Royal Tropical Institute no longer reflected what we do today. We work both globally and locally, and not only in ‘the tropics.’
Internationally, everyone knows us as KIT, so we now use only that abbreviated name. It better reflects who we are today.”
Who do you pass the baton to, and with what question?
“I pass the baton to Capital C. My question for them is:
How do you deal with your rich past in the diamond industry, and how do you connect that to who you want to be today?”
Would you like to rent the KIT Theater or collaborate?
Isabelle is always open to new initiatives from the neighbourhood.
More is possible than you think. You can reach her at: i.vermeij@kit.nl