Sculpture International Rotterdam

Policy

Collections management and development of new works for metropolitan locations
Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR) manages and develops Rotterdam’s international collection of public sculptures on behalf of the Municipality of Rotterdam. The Collection is, with the exception of a few works, the property of the Municipality of Rotterdam. The IBC is affiliated to the Centrum Beeldende Kunst Rotterdam (CBK).

Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR) was set up in 1999 to focus attention on the city’s impressive collection of public sculptures and to ensure their long-term preservation. In addition to protecting this exceptional artistic heritage, SIR undertakes the development of new international art works and projects for the city. Sculpture International Rotterdam operates in metropolitan locations with an international allure or potential, spread across the entire city. The extension of SIR’s working terrain to the entire city is a recent decision. Sculpture International Rotterdam contributes to Rotterdam’s international culture and ambitions through high-profile works of art.
Rotterdam is dynamic and so too is the potential function of art in the public realm.

SIR and BKOR in Rotterdam
SIR acts in an advisory capacity to the Local Executive and is supported by the Centrum Beeldende Kunst (CBK).
Its sister organisation, Beeldende Kunst Openbare Ruimte (BKOR) – part of the CBK – is principally concerned with neighbourhood schemes involving the city’s residents. Many of BKOR’s projects employ art and culture as a means for residents to improve their neighbourhoods.

SIR and BKOR have very different remits, working procedures and methods of financing. It is precisely the distinction between the two organisations that affords Rotterdam the opportunity to develop such an exciting policy for art in the public realm.

SIR today

Since the end of 2006 Sculpture International Rotterdam has been working towards its relaunch with a new project staff, a new chairman and new members of the advisory committee.
In its first five years SIR developed the cultural axis along the Westersingel as part of Rotterdam Cultural Capital. This axis runs from the Central Station (Wall Relief, Henry Moore), along the Westersingel (with sculpture terrace including Rodin) and continues along the Zeedijk (Coop Himmelb(l)au) to the Kop van Zuid where the sculpture Lost Luggage by Jeff Wall can be found.

Over the next few years our focus is on another area: the complex and intriguing public domain around the Coolsingel (from the Hofplein to the Erasmus Bridge) the area around the Central Station, the Laurenskwartier and perhaps also Rotterdam Zuid. These areas demand a different approach to art in the public realm.

Dissemination of knowledge
Sculpture International Rotterdam wishes to bring Rotterdam’s exceptional sculpture collection to the attention of a broad international audience. In this respect the dissemination of knowledge is one of its chief aims.
In association with BKOR, SIR contributes to the debate about art in the public realm at a local and international level. It does this through its extensive database, lectures, and partnerships and above all by continuing to tailor the presentation of its art works in the context of a constantly changing city.