To be or not to be in Zuid-Limburg, that was the question for Common Knowledge #2. A stand that elicited many opinions and ideas from the interested and engaged audience and panel members Remy Kroese (who generously replaced the ill fashion designer Ingo Binder), Joost Vrouenraets, Ardi Poels and Theo Ploeg.
Zuid-Limburg is definitely not just a stop on the way to Amsterdam, Berlin or Paris, and this idea slowly takes hold under young professionals from the region and elsewhere. A notion like this needs input and hard work from art professionals though. Sticking your neck out and using the cultural and cooperate network is essential in making your projects and ideas a success.
Of course the topic of European Capital of Culture emerged too, if only briefly. Many in the audience argued that we are better off without the title: Its top down approach was too restricting and creatives can better built a vibrant art scene without it. More important is the need for more network possibilities and actual ‘room’ for exchange. Co-working spaces seem to be one of the ideas to strengthen and support creative professionals in Maastricht and the region. Based on the idea of strength and visibility in numbers, they can provide (young) entrepreneurs with inspiration, support and an immediate professional network. Cities Heerlen and Liege already have these collectives, why not Maastricht?
“We are the new plan!” was the confident conclusion when moderator Maarten Kuypers asked what the plan should be next. The rest of the audience followed in agreement. Common Knowledge #2 sparked new ideas among the audience and made them realize more can be achieved by working together.
