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Mark

The Balcony is an exhibition and curatorial platform based in The Hague, founded in 2018 by Arthur Cordier & Valentino Russo. The Balcony curates exhibitions supporting the presentation of upcoming practices with a focus on alternative formats of display, keen on collaborations and often unconventional locations.

Starting 2023 The Balcony is curated by Arthur Cordier (BE), Valentino Russo (IT), Abril Cisneros (ES/MX), Mari Kolcheva (BG) and Ariane Toussaint (FR).
👉 Read more about the curatorial team.

The initiative has previously been hosted in the vitrine of a violin store 2018–2020 as well as the basement of a former office space known as Susan Bites 2019–2021.

Mission

Nestled within the vibrant cultural landscape of The Hague, The Balcony is a dynamic curatorial platform committed to nurturing the voices of emerging artists while engaging audiences in thought-provoking dialogues on the interplay between leisure and labor within contemporary society. Our focus lies in developing alternative formats of display and fostering collaborations across generations, bridging the gap between recently graduated makers and established artists. Through meticulously researched and humorously curated exhibitions, as well as a rich public program, our mission is to initiate interdisciplinary conversations, connecting the local art scene of The Hague with broader international currents of contemporary art. We aim at bringing creative ideas to a wide and diverse audience through various forms encompassing not only exhibitions, but also reading groups, peer-to-peer feedback sessions, crossover panel talks and workshops.

Vision and values

 The Balcony envisions the curatorial platform as a means to inspire a creative public, to encourage local artistic creation and to create an alternative social space. Central to our ethos is the belief that art should not exist in isolation but rather serve as a catalyst for dialogue and reflection. We cultivate a space where artists and audiences alike can engage in generative discussions about artistic production, fair practices, and economic sustainability. In a world dominated by hyper-efficiency and productivity, we firmly believe that it is important to offer spaces like ours, which give individuals the chance to learn about alternative approaches to help situate and position oneself in a worldly complex context.

At the heart of our mission is a deep-seated curiosity about the driving forces shaping our world today. The Balcony’s program delves into the friction between labor and leisure, uncovering the seemingly invisible processes at play within our communities. Through a thematic, multi-layered approach spanning multiple exhibition chapters, as well as an accompanying public program, The Balcony aims to provoke introspection and spark engagement, sharing with visitors a sense of connection and relevance. By advocating transparency and fostering a sense of community, The Balcony strives to create a sustainable ecosystem where creativity can thrive.

Artistic strategy
The Balcony conceives new exhibitions with a bottom-up approach, by identifying the broader themes that run through our society in the topics that inspire today’s artists. We seek to bring audiences closer to the mental and creative process of artists and makers. Our exhibitions speak to the most vital aspects of humanity, which include the questioning of work- ing conditions, and the need for collectivity and exchange.

The Balcony does not seek to impose a vision, but rather to create a safe space for nurturing reflection and criticism: to encourage the emergence of ideas, we can test, tease and experiment with. We believe that the contemporary world is complex and calls for solutions. Young artists are key players in proposing alternative, renewed and ‘fresh’ ideas, as well as imaginative and speculative scenarios.

Collaborations

From the very beginning The Balcony has been eager to work together with artist-run spaces and institutions within The Netherlands and abroad. Through the years we have collaborated with spaces in Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Romania.

Partnership

In the quest for a more professional and appropriate form of audience engagement, we can count on the technical support of SBAE (Stefan Bandalac Audio-visual Expertise), The Hague-based technical production company specialised in audio-visual services for the cultural sector. Since 2021, SBAE has provided The Balcony professional A/V equipment for exhibitions and video documentations, as well as technical consultancy. SBAE’s clients includes, among others, Stroom Den Haag, Rewire Festival, Radius.



During exhibitions 
Fri-Sat: 13:00-18:00
Mon-Thu by appointment



Nieuwe Molstraat 14-A2
2512BK, The Hague
NL

︎ thebalcony.thehague@gmail.com
︎ thebalcony_thehague
︎ thebalconythehague




Newsletter


The Balcony runs on project-based funding.
Donations help us support the artists and sustain our program

︎︎︎ via Paypal 
(donations 100€ or above - receive a screen printed artist edition) 

The Balcony currently

Nieuwe Molstraat 14A-2, The Hague (NL)
The Balcony is now located on the ground floor at Nieuwe Molstraat 14A-2. The location combines a project space and studio spaces.
During exhibitions 
Fri-Sat: 13:00-18:00
Mon-Thu by appointment


extra muros

Worldwide ︎︎︎

Along with curating exhibitions in The Hague, The Balcony fosters a network of collaborations outside of The Netherlands.
Among the initiatives and events that The Balcony has joined forces with, there are Art au Centre in Liege (BE), Fonderia 20.9 in Verona (IT), SWAB, Contemporary Art Fair in Barcelona (ES), P145 in Berlin (DE), Salon 75 in Copenhagen (DK) and CAV Gallery in Bucharest (RO). 
photo: TikTok vs Abramovic, P145. Berlin


TheBalcony vitrine

Closed [2018 - 2020]
Located at Herenstraat 14 in The Hague, the vitrine space was part of Willem Bouman & Zn. building, a violin shop and atelier. Here, The Balcony presented artists whose practice engaged with the vitrine, in relation to the public space and its 24/7 visibility. 

Curatorial line—Click for PDF


The intuition leading the space was to present non-The Hague based artists - in priority, and to introduce their practice within the cultural context of the city.


Susan Bites project space

Closed [2019 - 2021]
Located at Laan van NOI 125 in The Hague, Susan Bites was the former studio of the members of the collective and hosted exhibitions in the basement rooms.
The project space operated between February 2019 and March 2021.
Between January and June 2020, graphic design by Eva Rank (EE).  Former members include Ioana Ciora (RO) & Matthew James Lanning (NL).


Press selection


  • Mister Motley
  • Marijn Bril: ‘Misschien zijn deze objecten gewoon onderdeel geworden van de natuur’- met Benjamin Earl naar General Morphology of Urbanism bij The Balcony


  • Metropolis M
    Micro Art Initiatives #36 – The Balcony & Susan Bites in The Hague


  • Jegens&Tevens
    Highlighting The Hague Contemporary Art Weekend 2020

  • Mister Motley
  • Sophie Smeets. Kunst in een raamkozijn

  • HOOGTIJ #61
  • Marie Jeanne de Rooij in conversation with Jane Huldman, about The Balcony & Susan Bites, Stroom Den Haag 
  • (extract, in Dutch)
  • Jegens&Tevens
  • The Rock Talk Project at Hgtomi Rosa, participant

  • HART-Magazine
  • ‘The Town House and the Country House in Rochefort’, Kunst in Quarantaine

  • Villa Next Door
  • Bertus Pieters. Anita Mikas & Markus Liehr, Express Delivery Syndrome; The Balcony

  • Jegens&Tevens
  • Frits Dijcks. Waar kunnen we nog heen?

  • Jegens&Tevens
  • Arthur Cordier. Liège. Come for the beer, stay for the scene

  • Jegens&Tevens
  • Frits Dijcks. Hoogtij, de geschiedenis van de Haagse rondgang – deel 2

  • H.Art.
  • March 2019. City report The Hague


  • Jegens&Tevens
  • Cathleen Owens. A contaminated travel guide to Verona and beyond


  • Jegens&Tevens
  • Frits Dijcks. John van Oers @ The Balcony                


  • Villa Next Door
  • Bertus Pieters. Martin Gabriel, non beton place; The Balcony

Stichting THE BALCONY

KVK: 93982593
Board of Directors
Chairman: Valentino Russo
Treasurer: Arthur Cordier
Secretary: Ariane Toussaint
+ Marica Kolcheva
+ Abril Cisneros Ramirez

Advisory Board
Julia Fidder
Maurits van de Laar
Sarah Melikian

Code of conduct



Our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive space is paramount. This Code of Conduct outlines the behavior expected from everyone, both online and offline, to ensure an environment where all can thrive.

1. Who it applies to

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the The Balcony community, including but not limited to staff members, advisory board, exhibiting artists, artists in residence, partners, sponsors, interns, volunteers, and participants in our online and offline activities.

2. Why we have one

We endeavor to create an intentional space free from harassment and unease. Our aim is to nurture a respectful and collaborative work environment, expecting cooperation from all involved to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.

3. What The Balcony stands for

At The Balcony, we are guided by the following principles:
  • We adhere to the Cultural Governance Code, Cultural Diversity Code, and Fair Practice Code.
  • We champion ideal working conditions for artists, supporting their development to the best of our abilities.
  • We are committed to decolonization and inclusivity, offering a platform to underrepresented international artists.
  • We encourage the development and sharing of research and knowledge.
  • We maintain a strong connection with our local community while embracing our international position.
  • We cultivate an open climate that encourages learning, positive change, and the application of lessons learned.
  • We prioritise providing a hospitable experience in all our activities.
  • We stand in solidarity with those fighting against violence and oppressive ideologies of all forms.

4. What we ask of you

At The Balcony, we promote the following behaviours:
  • Creating safer spaces that are accessible and comfortable, fostering compassionate innovation.
  • Centering people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and bodies.
  • Actively working together to create spaces of compassion, empathy, sharing, learning, and understanding.

    We do not tolerate the following behaviours:
  • Violence or threats of violence toward another person.
  • Incitement of violence towards any individual.
  • Offensive and unwelcome comments, conversations, or presentations related to various aspects of diversity.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
  • Inappropriate physical or social contact or sexual attention.

Even if the behaviour was unintentional, the comfort and safety of marginalised individuals will always be prioritised.

5. If this Code is not followed

If you witness or experience any harassing behaviour, please report it immediately to a staff member. Participants asked to stop harassing behaviour must comply immediately. Staff may take appropriate action, including warnings or removal from The Balcony, as deemed necessary.

6. If this Code is not followed by our staff

If a staff member engages in harassing behaviour, please report it to another staff member.
Appropriate action will be taken promptly.

7. Feedback

This Code of Conduct is a dynamic document. If you believe anything is missing or could be clarified, please contact us at: thebalcony.thehague@gmail.com

8. Credit

We encourage the use of this Code of Conduct by other organizations. When doing so, please provide credit to Afrotech Fest as the original source. We have drawn inspiration from various sources, and we acknowledge the contributions of Geek Feminism, CSSConf, JSConf, the Conference Code of Conduct, XOXO Community Code of Conduct, Het Nieuwe Instituut, Parasite, Mores.online, and the Mozilla Community Participation Guidelines. Content from linked sources remains the sole property of their respective authors.
Mark