The Free School is a learning experiment where anyone can offer a class on anything. Big ideas, practical skills and experiential knowledge are considered as equally relevant.
The Free School is a safe space for people and ideas which runs on mutual respect. We share power through knowledge and activate the potential that lies hidden in routines of the Everyday.
We believe in a gift economy. Therefore, we promote generosity and mutual aid.
The Free School is organised by the Diversiteit Collective, a group of artists and squatters based in Enschede (NL) who wish to uncover the cultural potential of empty buildings through a variety of happenings.
Ideas for a class? Send an email to diversiteit [at] riseup [dot] net and sign up to give a class at the next edition of Free School.
> 12:00-13:00h - 3...2...1 - Let's Improvise! (with Sam)
> 13:15-14:15h - DIY Bookbinding (with Jeannette)
> 14:30-15:30 - Analysing the Results of the Kraakverbod and Looking Back at Hidden Histories of Squatting in Rotterdam (with E.T.C. Dee)
> 15:45-17:45 - Take on the Fight! Repression & Creative Action (with Sam)
> 18:00-19:30 - Haircutting Basics (with Marie)
> 20:00 Film Screening: The Holy Mountain by Alejandro Jodorowsky (with beer and popcorn!)
NEWS //
18.03.16: Timetable online!
17.03.15: Info about classes updated.
28.02.15: First classes confirmed!
20.02.15: The location will be the current Diversiteit headquarters at Hengelosestraat 701, Enschede.
22.01.16: Schedule and location to be announced!
If we analyse the recent government evaluation of the kraakverbod (the law criminalising squatting in 2010) we see that the lunatic plan to stop vacancy by imprisoning squatters has not worked out very well. And to remind everyone of all the good things which can come from the occupation of empty space, we will see some photographs from squatting in Rotterdam in the 1970s and 1980s.
No need to bring anything specific to this class, except an inclination to chat about squatting.
Bookbinding skills can come in handy when making a notebook, putting a collection of sketches together or making an edition of small publications. This class focuses on simple and inexpensive ways of binding books or booklets without a need for machines or large tools.
This hands-on class will focus on two general techniques of bookbinding which can be explored depending on people's interests: The simple and easy binding technique called 'perfect binding' and sewn techniques, of which a few different examples can be experimented with.
A set of crafty hands will come in handy but you'll figure things out even without any previous experience in working with paper or sewing by hand. Please feel free to bring sheets of blank paper or sketches that you'd like to bind. We'll be using tools such as bookbinding glue, wood glue or PVA, pieces of wood slightly wider than the booklets we want to bind, wood working clamps, craft knives, rulers, thick thread with matching needles and pencils. If you own any of those tools please feel free to bring them along. Materials for general use will be provided though.
In 'Haircutting Basics', Marie will pass on her self-taught and time-tested hair cutting skills that she has managed to obtain with much experience. She'll happily share her knowledge with people interested in cutting their own or others' hair. The class will be shaped by the interests and experiences of people attending.
As a participant, you'll learn about hair cutting techniques and will be able to observe an exemplary haircut. As for now, one person has brought forward that they'd like to get their hair cut during the class but there certainly is time for others to get their hair cut, too! Again, participants can freely bring their interests forward and thereby shape the class.
If you own scissors and a comb, possibly even a mirror, please feel free to bring them along. A few tools will be provided for the group.