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The Schoenenkwartier is both a shoe museum and a knowledge centre, located in the heart of Waalwijk, the Dutch city of leather and shoes. At its core lies the shoe lab: a place where young and established makers are given the opportunity to conduct research, experiment, and develop autonomous work.
The shoe lab
Work in the shoe lab combines traditional and innovative methods. Alongside artisanal shoemaking machines, the lab is equipped with 3D scanners, 3D printers, and vacuum forming techniques. Designers, guided by professionals, focus on research and prototypes, with talent development at the centre.
The Schoenenkwartier organises workshops and educational programmes for vocational and higher-education students from the Netherlands and Belgium as well as providing apprenticeships for future shoemakers.
The Schoenenkwartier mentors students from vocational schools SintLucas Boxtel and DHTA Utrecht. For this exhibition, they created replicas of shoes from the museum collection. It is an instructive experience to study shoes from the inside out, gaining insight into both design and the making process.
Artists in Residence Programme
The Artist in Residence programme strengthens the Schoenenkwartier’s role as a breeding ground for young talent. Over a three-month period, makers receive accommodation and workspace to develop a selected project. We actively scout (inter)national top talents at the start of promising careers. These makers collaborate with professionals in the shoe lab and draw inspiration from the knowledge centre and the museum’s collection. Four residencies are available each year. The results are presented annually during PODIUM Schoenenlab at the Schoenenkwartier and at Dutch Design Week.
About SCHOENENKWARTIER
Within the Schoenenkwartier, the shoe lab is the place for both young talent and renowned makers to conduct research, perform experiments and develop autonomous work.
