As of this year I’ve located my studio in Groningen, a city up north in the Netherlands. I’m in a building what used to be a factory where they made pudding; Polak’s Puddingfactory (1930’s).
In 2001 a relatively big group of media and arts companies organised themselves into the Media Initiative Groningen (MIG): 400 – 500 people and started the lobby for an idea for a cluster building. Creative industries were not recognized at that time. The city was impressed by the lobby and looking for opportunities. They came up with the old pudding factory whichup till 2001 was an archive for the city. In 2003 the PuddingFactory opens its doors and a Union is formed to guard the concept of the house (creative industries).
The PuddingFactory Facts:
- founded in 2001, rebuild in 2002, 2005
- 2500 sqm mixed company building
- regulated 70% New Media and ICT: broad description
- today: Creative Industries
- housing >40 companies and >80 people
Located at the central station of Groningen and nearby the Groninger Museum, the Puddingfactory is the creative heart of the city. The Puddingfactory differentiates from a ‘normal’ company-collective through collaboration , creativity, innovation and combining art, knowledge and commerce. This makes the Puddingfactory a unique place where innovation and spirit is foremost.