Creative breeding ground Electron (permanently closed)
Founder Lisette Spee: “Young talents in Breda must be given the space to develop their skills. With Electron, we contribute to that.” If anyone can attest to this, it is Elodie Zwart. She won the studio prize and will have access to her own studio at Electron for a year. “I am being offered so many wonderful opportunities here. My business is getting a fast kickstart here.”
How would you describe Electron?
Lisette: “Art academy without training wheels. Electron is the cultural breeding ground where culture lovers, professional artists, and designers create, meet, and innovate. This happens in studios, workshops, event spaces, and in the cultural living room MotMot gallery.
It is, in many ways, an art academy, but without teachers and assessments. You have complete freedom but are responsible for your own success. With a place to create and facilities to meet others. Such places are scarce in this sector. We want to keep artists in the city and make them a source of inspiration for the city itself.”
Do you experience it like this too, Elodie?
Elodie: “Definitely! The opportunities are here for the taking. Not only because you get your own studio and can build a network, but also because you are surrounded by other creative minds who want to make a name for themselves.
After graduation, there is a high chance that you will work as a freelancer from home or from an external studio where you have no contact with other creatives. While it is especially important to keep brainstorming and supporting each other. That is a huge boost for your growth and development. Electron is completely set up for that.
I have always followed my own path. And that was rewarded with the studio prize. I got the chance to further develop my own product and take serious steps. I learn a lot about entrepreneurship – and I receive guidance for it, among others from Electron. My motto is ‘reach high’, and that has brought me here.”
You are surrounded by other creative minds who want to make a name for themselves. That is worth a lot.
Why do you find Breda such a nice city to work in?
Elodie: “Artists often choose cities where creativity is already well developed. But because Breda is not yet as established a creative hotspot as other cities, there is still much to gain. The friendly atmosphere and small-scale creative industry make it easy to quickly build a network and connect with other creatives. It feels like a warm blanket. And there are so many opportunities here.”
Lisette: “I completely agree. Breda is the comfort zone of Brabant, where we can quickly find each other and collaborate well. There is plenty to do here and so much more to develop, and that’s what I want to complete.”
What added value does Electron offer to the city itself?
Lisette: “We are building a sustainable place to develop talent and try new things. In doing so, we are elevating this city both creatively and culturally. This is not only important for the creators, but also for the audience. You can also see that today’s youth are looking for something different. They want less rigidity and more freedom of movement. This is why initiatives like Stek, Pier15, Belcrum Beach, and Electron are emerging - a brand new village where culture, leisure, the public, and business come together.
The public and creators come closer together here. Within Electron, experiments are conducted, things are shown that are not yet finished, and perhaps most importantly: here you are allowed to make mistakes and be different. That truly feels like a breath of fresh air.”
…And for young creative talent?
Elodie: “That you have a raw space where you can be yourself. And truly develop yourself. It’s a world where people dare to stand up and break taboos. Electron provides a platform for that – we really need to preserve it.”
Lisette: “It’s the people in Electron who make it possible. I just need to ensure that the walls are still standing, so they have a place to experiment, create, and showcase.”
What would you like to pass on to young talent?
Elodie: “Don’t be afraid to follow your own path. By doing it differently, you create distinctiveness. Dare to follow your own nose.”
Lisette: “Also, give it a go. Fall down, take the stage. Those opportunities are there!”
Electron | MotMot gallery
Belcrumweg 19
4815 HA Breda
electronbreda.com
