This merger process is an initiative of Codarts (an international UAS for professional art education), Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, of which Willem de Kooning Academy is a part, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. The aim of the merger was to be able to offer high quality art education in Rotterdam under a common flag, which is linked to social issues and contributes to talent development. Together, the educational institutions see the potential and added value that strengthening higher art education can mean for students, the city and the educational institutions.
Ambitions best achieved through current collaboration
The potential of a merger between Codarts and Willem de Kooning Academy has been extensively researched, and this research has shown that the combination of the two institutions does not currently provide an adequate basis for the sustainable realisation of a Rotterdam art institution. The collaboration in its current form is the best way to realise the ambitions for strong art education and pioneering research. The focus remains on strengthening and deepening the existing collaboration so that the institutions involved can make the best possible contribution to art education in Rotterdam, each based on its own identity and strengths.
High-quality art education guiding compass
“Our commitment to explore collaborations that contribute to higher arts education in our city is enduring, according to Sarah Wilton - Wels, Chair of the Executive Board, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. This shared ambition and dream, of the high quality arts education that our students and the city deserve, is and will remain our guiding compass in shaping educational and research collaborations. For now, we want to create clarity and calmness so that everyone knows where they stand.”
David Lauwen, Chairman of the Board of Codarts: “Despite the termination of the merger process, we remain united in our substantive goals and confident in the opportunities to realise our shared vision.”
Educational and research collaborations
Codarts, Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) and Erasmus University (EUR) work together structurally in the field of art education and research. For example, there are joint projects and lectures involving students from the three institutions.
Since 2015, the institutions have been working together in the Rotterdam Arts & Science Lab (RASL). This offers an education in the form of dual degrees in which the arts and sciences come together. Students obtain both a higher education and a university bachelor's degree at the same time. In addition, the RASL minor course offers an insight into cross-border education. Research beyond the boundaries of the arts and sciences gets encouraged. Celebrating its tenth anniversary next year, RASL is a proven practice and an excellent breeding ground for intensifying collaboration between WdKA, Codarts and EUR.