In the belief that art students can only learn to think independently when knowledge, imagination and reflection combine to work together in an unorthodox and critical way, Studium Generale Rietveld aims to encourage critical forms of learning, making and thinking. It follows a new research trajectory every year around a specific theme that links up with current events, issues and discussions in the (art) world. Artists and theoreticians from home and abroad offer a broad spectrum of perspectives on the overarching themes with lectures, performances, presentations and screenings.

After a preliminary programme, which also includes film screenings, reading groups, workshops and publications, there is an annual four-day conference festival in collaboration with guest curators who make contact with urgent critical discourses from different perspectives and practices. This takes place at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and is open to the public.

Since 2014 Studium Generale teams up with Rietveld Uncut; departments and individual students develop projects in relation to the theoretical framework of Studium Generale. The presentation and exhibition of these programmes is simultaneous to the conference, bringing ‘the making and the thinking’ together.

The Beauty of Distress
Mirthe Berentsen

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Mirthe Berentsen talks with curator Karen Archey about her residency at the mental health department of Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn – and the thin line between art and therapy.

Mirthe Berentsen is a writer, journalist, and cultural policy advisor. Her writing has been published in publications such as: Das Magazin, de Groene Amsterdammer, Die Welt, Frieze, LEAP, Metropolis M, Modern Painters, NRC Handelsblad, Sleek, Volkskrant, and Vrij Nederland. Berentsen holds an MA in Comparative Literature and Linguistics from University of Amsterdam and Freie Universität in Berlin.

Talio dolor peccatus. Charisma stillicidium repudiandae. Tero neque tantillus. Arma thesis provident.

Suadeo dens ante. Vomer corroboro aufero. Sumptus suscipit celebrer. Tabula tersus vinco. Porro basium tero.