The history of MK Ateliers traces back through MK24 to De Werkschuit (1950), an institution still well-known to older generations. De Werkschuit was originally made possible by a private donation: the proceeds from the sale of a Cézanne painting to the Stedelijk Museum. Moored on the Amstel River near the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), De Werkschuit—originally a sand barge—served for over thirty years as a model for arts education throughout the Netherlands and far beyond.
In 1980, the organization moved to its current location: a beautiful former school building. Dating back to 1898 and situated at Mauritskade 24, the building has since been fully equipped for classes in visual arts, photography, film, and multimedia. The organization’s name also evolved over time: first becoming the Stichting Kunstzinnige Vorming Amsterdam (SKVA), then Kunst en Co, followed by Kunstweb in the 1990s, and finally Stichting MK24 in 2004—taking its name from the address at Mauritskade 24.
Born in the era of self-expression, the organization transitioned from artistic development (Kunstzinnige Vorming) to a focus on arts education (Kunsteducatie). Techniques and tools remain at the service of the content and the development of the student’s innate creativity—for creativity is the ability to explore multiple solutions to a single problem. Students are not taught mere tricks or gimmicks; instead, drawing on their own artistic backgrounds and experience, instructors at MK Ateliers encourage students to discover their own potential.
In this way, MK Ateliers has developed into a vibrant, inspiring hub of craftsmanship where exchange and social interaction play a vital role. This applies equally to those already working in the creative sector; they range from those utilizing the MML (Multimedia Lab) offerings to keep their digital skills up to date, to young people intending to pursue an arts education after secondary school who complete the intensive one-year MKStart program as solid preparation.
Groups such as the long-term unemployed or individuals with a psychiatric background—served by Stichting de Opstap, which is also located at Mauritskade 24—can also develop their creative talents here. MK Ateliers and De Opstap have gained extensive experience in providing artistic guidance to these groups. MK Ateliers aims to be there for all Amsterdammers.
Organization
MK Ateliers is run by a small team of part-time staff who handle administration and coordinate the various departments. They are assisted by around twenty volunteers who provide a wide range of support services.
MK Ateliers offers approximately 70 courses per semester across disciplines including drawing, painting, printing techniques, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, animation, and glass. These courses are open to people of all ages.
The Multimedialab—part of MK Ateliers since September 2006—offers digital media courses to students, artists, and other interested individuals.
MKXtra I, II, and III are special year-long Saturday courses designed to provide in-depth knowledge.
MKStart has been running since September 2008 with a class of 14 students; over the course of a year, they receive nearly 900 hours of instruction across all disciplines available at MK Ateliers and the Multimedia Lab, enabling them to make a well-informed decision regarding potential full-time study at an art academy.
In addition, we provide numerous workshops and other tailored activities for private individuals, staff associations, and companies. All the instructors are professional artists and specialists who, with great pleasure, enthusiasm, and expertise, carry on the long tradition of art education on a part-time basis.