Opening KIT Live: new location for Kids van Amsterdam
This Friday, the Kids of Amsterdam (KVA) will move into two brand new dance and music studios that KIT has set up for them. The studios are part of KIT Live: a center for local initiatives and events that contribute to inclusion and sustainability, on the site of the former Tropentheater on Linnaeusstraat.
In addition to two dance and music studios, KIT Live includes a theater hall, a podcast studio and KIT Café, a coffee and lunch venue that will be open to the public daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. starting October 3. The renovation of the theater auditorium and furnishing of the podcast studio are still in progress. These are expected to open in the fall of 2024.
In the studios of KIT Live, KVA will continue mentoring and music and dance classes with young people. The Kids’ new home will be festively opened Friday, September 29 by Carolien de Heer, Chair of Stadsdeel Oost.
KIT Live
“We are extremely happy that the Kids of Amsterdam have now moved into the studios of KIT Live, after months of renovation.What KvA is doing here in terms of social inclusion and talent development of young people from the neighborhood ties in seamlessly with other neighborhood activities we already host, such as Studiezalen’s homework assistance. As far as we are concerned, more local initiatives will follow that fit with our commitment to contribute to social inclusion and sustainability in the city,” said Louis van den Berghe, KIT campus director.
Kids van Amsterdam
KVA has existed since 2007 and was housed in the Hugo Olijfveldhuis on Zeeburgerdijk. For years, the organization has been looking for a new location that offers more space for the growing number of students.
Nathalie Oldenstam, director Kids of Amsterdam: “Our move from Zeeburgerdijk to KIT Live on Linnaeusstraat marks an important milestone in our mission to provide a home for children and teens in Amsterdam. Every year we reach between 300 and 400 children and teens, helping them reach their goals and providing a safe environment in which they can develop. With the move to this beautiful new location, we are creating new opportunities and possibilities for the next 10 years.”
