Vergunningvolle Zone, 2013Public art piece
Vergunningvolle Zone (Permit-Full Zone) was realised as a part of the Call of the Mall exhibition in Hoog Catharijne Shopping Mall, Utrecht in The Netherlands, from June to September 2013. A Vergunningvolle Zone is a special area where fewer regulations exist than in a usual public space or a mall. Inside the zone anyone is allowed to spontaneously engage in activities that normally require a permit, such as: selling things, holding public gatherings, playing music, performing, hosting parties, festivals, or events, teaching, making or showing films, taking photographs, spreading information, collecting signatures, conducting surveys, handing out printed materials or performing religious ceremonies. Also temporary constructions, animals, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and electronic vehicles are allowed in the zone. Electricity was provided at the space, but otherwise there was no organisation or scheduling of the events. If conflicting activities occurred at the same time, it was up to the people themselves to find a way to share the space. Due to the spontaneous nature of the events, most of what went on in the zone was not documented.
Examples of activities that took place in the Vergunningvolle Zone:Pop up galleryCasco symposiumPharmacists spreading information about medicationTangoDance performance (extending to the shops which is officially not allowed)GI Joe promotion (just outside the zone, not officially allowed)Several street musiciansSmoking (not officially allowed)Dance workshopsHelp desk in writing official letters & legal adviceFace painting to raise money for charity in UgandaFamily picnicRunning colours marathon number distribution partyPoetry writing on stampsHow to make fake coca cola workshopChristian gathering in a little houseCardboard marketReading clubReligious gatheringsCatwalk show: how to dress for successIrish dancingSelling handicrafts and home made jamsBelly dancingSelling Turkish handmade bootsHenna tattoo makingMusic festival Norwegian language teacher giving lessonsBingoLiving room installation to raise awareness about lack of student housingFurniture painting for kidsBlister plaster catwalkShort story writing workshopMarching bandComputer gamers gathering for gamers to be sociable instead of playing alone at homeExperimental performance in contrast to consumer culture: bringing a sleeping homeless person to the space and filming people’s reactionsMall of sound festivalTheater group performing
Coordinator: Siri BaggermanProducer: Linde DorenboschCurator: Huib Haye van der WerfCommissioned by Stichting Kunst in het Stationsgebied / City of Utrecht
