(Leave) Space for Space

The work is a symbol of exchange and connection, amidst the dynamic developments in both the rapidly changing Amsterdam-Noord and the growing NDSM area. The result was a playful and striking construction with seats, swing benches and mobile phones that dance with the wind. A meeting place for everyone, young, old, local, and international.

Inspiration from workshops about Amsterdam-Noord
Myerscough is known for her location-specific approach, using typical phrases, words, and visual poems to create a sense of local community, shared identity, and ownership over public space. During workshops, local residents shared their views on Amsterdam-Noord with her. Myerscough translated this input into words and patterns that occupy a prominent place in the installation.

For even more local embedding, the artist collaborated with spoken-word artist and performer Mahat Arab for “(Leave) Space for Space”. Based on the stories that participants shared during the workshops, he wrote a poem about “belonging”. Read the poem here, or listen to it in a spoken-word lecture by Mahat Arab at the bottom of this page.

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About Morag Myerscough
Morag Myerscough's mantra is “Make happy those who are near and those who are far away will come”. Born and raised in Holloway, London, Morag has always lived in the city and is fascinated by how color, pattern, and words can change urban environments and change the perception of spaces into places. From schools and hospitals to cultural centers and city centers, Morag is transforming public spaces by creating engaging experiences for everyone. Her strong visual approach is instantly recognisable and elevates any context in which it is placed. Her work is rooted in creating a sense of joy and connection for all who encounter it. She often works with community groups to develop ideas that reflect users' identities, using a shared cultural history and heritage of the local area.

About Stichting NDSM-werf
Stichting NDSM-werf programs and manages NDSM's monumental outdoor space as a cultural shipyard that focuses on the public character, creative experiment and polyphony. The foundation develops and presents location-specific installations and artworks by and with artists, designers and architects.

(Leave) Space for Space was made possible in part by the Amsterdamse Fonds voor de Kunsten, BPD Culture Fund, Vrienden Loterij (Doen Foundation) and stadsdeel noord