The Ambassadors Circle

During this afternoon, you will explore the Amsterdam gallery scene together with other art enthusiasts. We will visit three galleries that are within walking distance of each other. Throughout the tour, you will discover the work of emerging talent as well as established artists, and get to know the Amsterdam gallerists better. The selection of galleries we’ll visit will be announced soon. After the tour, there will be an opportunity to chat with other The Collectors Circle members over a drink.

In aanloop naar ons gezamenlijke bezoek aan Art Rotterdam later die maand organiseren we een interactieve sessie waarin we de mechanismen achter het beurslandschap ontrafelen. We gaan in gesprek met verschillende spelers uit het veld — Manuela Klerkx van Art Rotterdam, galeriehouder Christine van den Bergh van Bradwolff & Partners, een kunstenaar en verzamelaar — om vanuit meerdere perspectieven te bespreken waarom beurzen ertoe doen, wat er op het spel staat, en hoe de steeds veranderende kunstwereld invloed heeft op de vorm en betekenis van een kunstbeurs.

Je gaat naar huis met frisse inzichten én praktische handvatten: hoe kijk je strategischer, hoe maak je keuzes, waar let je op in presentaties, en hoe haal je meer uit je beursbezoek — of je nu voor het eerst gaat of al jaren rondloopt. Een energieke, inhoudelijke kickstart richting Art Rotterdam, zodat je straks met nét iets meer focus, nieuwsgierigheid en plezier de beursvloer op stapt.

This is precisely where collectible design comes in: unique objects or small editions shaped by innovation, material experimentation and sustainability. We will meet you at 12.30 for a tour of the fair’s highlights. Afterwards you will have free access for the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.

For many artists, a residency is therefore an important springboard, creating room for experimentation, visibility and artistic growth in ways that are not always possible in everyday practice.

The Dooyewaard Winter Residencies are unique in this respect. The artists are selected by an independent committee based on demonstrated talent and a mature artistic practice. They spend three months working in studios that not only radiate history but also form part of the cultural heritage of Laren and Blaricum. From the iconic ‘Cabin of Mondrian’ to Atelier Hart Nibbrig, these spaces have long served as a breeding ground for artists and, thanks to the Foundation, this legacy has been preserved and brought back to life. During our visit you will learn how Oussoren, Gwyn and Kroes draw on the tranquillity, light and surroundings of the Colony in their work. You will get a glimpse into their process, see what they are working on and hear how the residency influences their practice.

We will begin with a tour of several highlights of the fair, after which we’ll explore the iconic Prospects section of the Mondriaan Fund, where artists who received funding last year get to present their work to an international audience. Art Rotterdam is thé place to spot the newest developments in art and photography all at once.

We will be warmly welcomed by the director of the biennial and glass artist Titia Felderhof, who will introduce us to the craft and vision behind this biennial. She will then guide us on an exclusive tour through the exhibition. During the visit, artists Krista Israel and Thomas Thijssen will join us to share personal insights into their artistic practices.

Van de intrigerende maskers van Carmen Schabracq tot de absurdistische keramiek van Koos Busters en de krachtige knipcollages van Neo Matloga. Deze editie laat zien hoe kunst nieuwe manieren van kijken aanreikt om de grimmige wereld van nu het hoofd te bieden. Met acteurs, muziek en interviews worden de kunstwerken niet alleen getoond, maar theatraal tot leven gewekt en op betekenis ontleedt. Presentator Milou Adjanga leidt het publiek door de show — scherp, betrokken en met prikkelende vragen die kunst nét even beter laat binnenkomen.

One of the highlights of our four-day trip is a day excursion to Quinta do Quetzal, a contemporary art center and winery in the Alentejo region. This unique place was founded by Dutch collectors Cees and Inge de Bruin, whose extensive private collection of contemporary art forms the starting point for each exhibition at the Quetzal Art Center. Expect an inspiring combination of contemporary art, architecture, and nature. The program includes a group dinner and a welcome drink at special locations at the heart of Portugal’s art scene.

From 10 to 13 September 2026, we’ll travel to Tokyo, the beating heart of the contemporary art scene in Asia. We’ll begin with a visit to the internationally renowned Tokyo Gendai art fair, celebrated for its innovative presentations. We’ll also explore the city’s gallery scene — from experimental art spaces to high-end galleries. During this trip, you’ll gain insight into Tokyo’s vibrant art world, meet emerging artists in their studios, and get a glimpse of the renowned Takahashi Collection. We’ll also take time to visit some of the city’s top museums, enjoy a group dinner, and get to know your fellow travelers during our welcome cocktail. As an optional add-on, you can join an extra two-day trip on 15 & 16 September to the iconic art island Naoshima, where works by artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Walter De Maria can be experienced in a breathtaking setting.

Since Tokyo is such a popular destination, we recommend adding a few extra days to your stay in Japan, preferably before the trip. This way, you can explore not only the artsy highlights at the heart of the Young Collectors Circle journey but also the city’s classic hotspots, from vibrant Harajuku to serene Mount Fuji. Of course, we’re happy to share a list of must-sees with you.

From 25 to 27 September 2026, we’ll travel to Istanbul for Contemporary Istanbul and the Istanbul Biennial. The fair takes place in a stunning location right on the banks of the Bosphorus, where international galleries present contemporary art with a strong focus on Turkey and the surrounding region. Over the past years, Contemporary Istanbul has grown into an important platform for art in Southeast Europe and the Middle East.

During our visit, we’ll also explore the Istanbul Biennial, with exhibitions spread across the city — from historic buildings to unexpected outdoor venues. In addition, we’ll visit several leading private collections and meet collectors who help shape Turkey’s vibrant art scene. The program includes a group dinner and a cocktail moment.