The yearly Art & Photography residential trip took place in Amsterdam this January, however this year we were joined by Film & Creative Media students who attended the internationally renowned Rotterdam Film Festival. Chris, Judith, Andy, Tracy and 29 students completed a cultural walking journey through two of Europe’s most historic and culturally rich cities, visiting historic landmarks, galleries and museums.
Amsterdam & Rotterdam are both port cities, full of historical references and landmarks, including those relating to events having taken place during the 2nd World War. In terms of art and film, there are few other European cities that can offer more in the way of galleries and museums to visit.
Over the 4 days spent in the Netherlands we accomplished quite a lot. We visited Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum, FOAM photographer’s gallery, Van Gogh museum, Fotomuseum Rotterdam, Cube Houses, Rotterdam Film Festival, LOOKout Amsterdam, EYE Film, and took a canal cruise around the streets of Amsterdam’s famous canals.
There were many pancakes, fries, waffles, and jacket potatoes to be had, and much walking completed. In fact over the course of just the 4 days we walked 55-60km, that’s a lot of steps!
The trip was fantastic, made more so by the great company of the students, and there willingness to walk the city in the cold and sometimes rain. I was proud to be their teacher, and enjoyed the trip immensely due to the students’ enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn about the cultural aspects of Amsterdam, as well as its vast history. It really was an amazing time had by all.