In the Netherlands, there’s a word that isn’t quite translatable in English or many other languages: gezellig. It’s not just cozy; it’s not just fun… It’s the feeling of being together, of belonging, of comfort and warmth combined together in one. It’s that sense of being at home; and when you add “-making” to it, you get something special: the act of creating gezelligheid together.
Gezelligmaking is at the heart of everything we do – it’s the very mission of our stichting. And we believe that connection doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s something we can consciously make.
When people sit around the FRENS Table, quietly drawing while the kettle hums in the background, that’s gezelligmaking.
When kids in our Kunstmaatjes group burst into laughter while painting, and suddenly the whole room lights up, that’s gezelligmaking.
When strangers meet at a workshop and leave as friends, pockets full of shared stories and half-finished crafts, that too is gezelligmaking.
Art is our favorite medium for this. It’s a universal language that doesn’t ask where you’re from, what you earn, or what you believe. Creativity softens barriers between people. It helps us slow down, play, and rediscover how good it feels to make something together. Whether it’s through a sketch, a collage, or a wild and wonderful hat made from recycled materials, art gives us the tools to make space for connection.
In a city as busy and fast-paced as Rotterdam, moments of togetherness aren’t a luxury – they’re a necessity for a fulfilling life. In a world shaped by social media and a growing emphasis on independence and self-reliance, we’ve started to lose touch with the art of connecting. We’ve become so focused on standing on our own two feet that we sometimes forget how deeply we need one another.
Want to feel the gezelligheid in action? Join us at one of our events or workshops and see how the magic unfolds.
It’s never about what you end up making with your hands, but about the moments we make together.
Gezelligmaking is an art, and everyone is invited.
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