Offspring 2026: Constant Ballads

Whenever a guest arrives at De Ateliers, as is the case with many buildings, they announce themselves by ringing the doorbell. Greeted by a disembodied voice reverberating from a metallic speaker affixed to the exterior, in the interior a historic bell system sounds throughout the whole building, divergent rhythms of production momentarily paused in alignment, and everyone aware that someone is about to enter. The bell system not only performs an organisational function—someone must open the door—and a security one— everyone is announced—but also a social one: occupants inside are alert and ready for the guest at hand.

During one of the visits that took place between January and May in preparation for this year’s iteration of Offspring, Nina Oude Ophuis—project and office manager at the institution—tells me that this bell system, its installation supposedly dating back to the building’s initial construction in 1875, is the only feature that has never malfunctioned. Significantly, it’s also usually Nina who answers the bell’s ring with her personal phone, unlocking the door via an app and welcoming you inside. What reveals itself immediately, once you cross the prestigious threshold of the academy at Stadhouderskade 86, is that its historical significance and present-day material...