De Dépendance is Rotterdam’s platform for city culture and public debate.

About

We work from the premise that the city of Rotterdam is intrinsically connected to global trends – from growing flows of capital, labour, goods and information to geopolitical shifts of power. In order to explain, interpret and critically reflect on these transformations De Dépendance researches how they manifest themselves in our cities and urban regions. We do this by initiating public programs that bring new perspectives, divergent opinions, alternative solutions and (radical) imaginaries.

People

Thijs Barendse

Thijs Barendse is an independent programme-maker and the director of De Dépendance. He studied International Relations at the University of Amsterdam and Political Economy at Sussex University (Brighton, UK). He worked for three years at De Unie, the former venue for debate and dialogue in Rotterdam. Since 2012 he also works as chief-editor of the monthly Rotterdam Late Night talkshow, as secretary of the Pierre Bayle Prize for Art Criticism, and as a board member of WORM, Institute for Avantgardistic Recreation.

Sereh Mandias

Sereh Mandias studied Architecture at the TU Delft and Philosophy at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. In her work she oscillates between theory and praxis, with a specific interest in the creation of the contemporary city. She works as an independent writer and researcher and teaches at the Chair of Interiors Buildings Cities (Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft).

Geert Maarse

Geert Maarse is a journalist and programme-maker. Having worked for Erasmus University for over five years, he is specialized in connecting scientific research to public debate. He has a background in Business Administration and Cultural Studies. He is the founder and regular host of Studio Erasmus, a monthly science magazine broadcasted by OPEN Rotterdam. He worked on a documentary and published in a number of online and offline media (de Volkskrant, Vers Beton, Erasmus Magazine).

Linda van der Vleuten

Linda van der Vleuten studied Graphic Design at the Academy for Art & Design St. Joost in ’s-Hertogenbosch and Breda. She is co-founder of OPPERCLAES, a gallery and project office for young contemporary art in Rotterdam which has a focus on art in public space. Furthermore, she works as an independent producer for different cultural institutes in Rotterdam.