About W139

W139 is a leading production and presentation space for contemporary art in the centre of Amsterdam that has been paving the way for experimentation and new modes of autonomy, self-organisation, and collectivity within the arts for 44 years.

Since its founding in 1979—when the monumental building was squatted by a collective of artists—W139 has remained embedded in an engaged and intergenerational community of makers. As an artist-driven organisation, W139 puts experimentation at the forefront—providing space for artists to take risks and realise experimental, urgent, and ambitious projects.

As a platform for dialogue and encounter, W139 supports artistic dissent and facilitates radical imagination and solidarity. Situated in an increasingly gentrified area, W139 offers a rare yet accessible stage for experimental contemporary art in the city centre of Amsterdam.

As an incubator for the arts, W139’s programme responds to contemporary issues while simultaneously being anchored in a rich cultural history. Our programming includes large-scale exhibitions and public events—initiated and organised in collaboration with a diverse group of makers—as well as projects selected via open calls.

Vacancies

For information on vacancies, internship applications and volunteering at W139 please click on the link above.

ANBI

W139 has been designated by the belastingdienst (Dutch tax authorities) as a Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling Culturele Instelling (Public Benefit Institution Cultural Institution) (ANBI CI). Because of this designated status, private individuals can make a donation to W139 with extra tax benefits. For more information, see the website of the Belastingdienst. If you want to make a donation to W139, visit our supporting page.

Official name: Stichting W139
Public Name: W139
RSIN / ANBI nummer: 008265240
ANBI report 2018 (in Dutch)
ANBI report 2019 (in Dutch)
ANBI report 2020 (in Dutch)
ANBI report 2021 (in Dutch)
ANBI report 2022 (in Dutch)

Objective according to regulations

The ambition of W139 is to be an exemplary, self-sufficient and primarily artist-run space that inspires society as a source of art. This is an inclusive space where optimal conditions are created for the fundamental need to discover and create.

The short-term ambition of W139 is to create conditions for artistic self-organization. The medium-term ambition is to realize artistic and financial self-organization in such a way that it inspires. W139 works outside the beaten tracks and asks artists to play a central and active role in creating an inclusive visual space and to let the audience be a part of this. W139 wants to make present and future generations of visual artists visible to the largest possible audience.

Remuneration policy

The members of the W139 board perform their duties without remuneration. The board members only receive a reimbursement for incurred expenses. W139 uses a market conform remuneration policy for employees and freelancers as a starting point.