ArtZuid
ARTZUID is an open-air international sculpture biennale held in Amsterdam-Zuid, in the Netherlands. The exhibition aims to reach a wide audience and draw attention to the influence of architect H. P. Berlage on the Plan-Zuid area. The first edition opened in 2009, and since then, the event has been held every two years.
Each edition includes approximately 50 to 60 sculptures by international and Dutch artists installed for a period of around four months. ARTZUID features a different theme and guest curators for each edition. The sculpture trail starts at Minervalaan 1, the Information Pavilion.
History
The ARTZUID Foundation was co-founded in 2008 by Cintha van Heeswijck and a group of local residents as a cultural non-profit organization. The first biennial ARTZUID exhibition took place in 2009.The Foundation won a 2011 Europa Nostra Award in the "Education, Training, and Awareness Raising" category.
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opened the 2011, 2015, and 2025 exhibitions.
Exhibitions
ARTZUID 2009: ''Berlage in Sculptures''
Michiel Romeyn and Roberto Meyer curated the show inspired by the histories of the host neighborhood in Amsterdam, with support from international galleries, the Rijksakademie, Dutch company collections, artists, and museums including the Stedelijk Museum. The event attracted approximately 90,000 visitors.ARTZUID 2011: ''The World Around — Equality in Diversity''
Curator Jan Cremer brought together European sculptures with works by international artists to reflect the mixed population of Amsterdam. Artists from 21 countries participated, with 58 sculptures by creators such as Anthony Caro, Jean Tinguely, Anthony Gormley, and Ugo Rondinone.ARTZUID 2013: ''Engagement''
This edition was co-organized with curator Henk van Os, professor of art and society at the University of Amsterdam. The exhibition featured artists from every continent.ARTZUID 2015: ''Amsterdam, City of Sculptures''
This edition was curated by Rudi Fuchs, former director of the Stedelijk Museum. Exhibitions included Tony Cragg's bronze works, Mimmo Paladino's statues, KAWS' cartoon figures, and Jaume Plensa's monumental sculptures.ARTZUID 2017: ''Abstraction''
The celebration of the fifth edition of ARTZUID coincided with the 100th anniversary of the De Stijl movement. Curator Rudi Fuchs chose Dutch abstraction as a theme connecting all the sculptures placed along the 2.5-kilometer route in South Amsterdam. Participating artists and groups included Klaas Gubbels, Arne Quinze, Esther Tielemans, and Atelier Van Lieshout.ARTZUID 2019: ''The Sculptures, The Figurations, The Garden & The Spectacle''
Art historian and retired art critic Jhim Lamoree and visual artist Michiel Romeyn curated sculptures exploring figuration in modern and contemporary art, and the adornment of the South Amsterdam area, Plan-Zuid. Artists such as Yoshitomo Nara, Ai Weiwei, Takashi Murakami, and Nancy Rubins participated, and the Stedelijk Museum exhibited works by Henry Moore.ARTZUID 2021: ''Imagine''
Ralph Keuning, a Dutch art historian, curated the seventh edition. Artists including Sarah Lucas, Joanneke Meester, Ugo Rondinone, and Sokari Douglas Camp participated.ARTZUID 2023: ''Transfer''
Artist and TV personality Jasper Krabbé curated this edition, which explored pop art, neo-pop art, and street art, and marked the 15th anniversary of the Foundation.ARTZUID 2025: ''Enlightenment''
Amsterdam celebrated its 750th anniversary in 2025. The ninth edition aimed to reflect on the city's freedom and tolerance. Curator Ralph Keuning chose the theme Enlightenment, with contributing artists including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Alicja Kwade, Yoshitomo Nara, David Nash, Jaume Plensa, and Arlene Shechet.ARTZUID 2027
The 10th edition is scheduled to take place from May to September 2027.Summary Table
| Stephen Friedman Gallery | Artist‑specific coverage, enriching the narrative |