Every month I fill myself with new, eye-catching art.
Sunday, July 5:12:00 - 21:00h
Monday, July 6:12:00 - 22:00h
Tuesday, July 7:12:00 - 22:00h
Wednesday, July 8:12:00 - 22:00h
Thursday, July 9:12:00 - 22:00h
Friday, July 10:12:00 - 22:00h
Saturday, July 11:12:00 - 22:00h
In addition to these regular opening hours, De Nijverheid is also open during cultural programs, see the agenda.
Due to the unique and limited size of the cultural-historical site, EXboot is only accessible on foot and is not wheelchair accessible. There are no facilities for the hearing impaired (yet).
Always at EXboot
I cherish both my present and my past. Besides a space for high-profile art, one of my rooms also houses the Zandpad Museum. Here, I'll tell you about my illustrious past and introduce you to people who know me well—inside or out. Sit on my stool, gaze out the window, and listen to the many stories surrounding my life.
The Zandpad Museum is screening a short documentary about the history of the Zandpad. You'll also find numerous audio clips of conversations with various people involved, including a former sex worker and former mayor Aleid Wolfsen.
This Zandpad documentary was made by Sylvie Kamphuis & Jaap Pronk (director), Bram Engelaar (camera), Doenja Abel (production), Twan Bracco Gartner (music), and Bald Beeld (editing). Thanks to the interviewees: Aleid Wolfsen (former mayor of the Municipality of Utrecht), Brenda Oude Breuil (criminologist at Utrecht University), Jannie Teunissen (De Tussenvoorziening), the former sex worker, and the former client of Zandpad. The documentary was made possible in part by the Municipality of Utrecht, KF Heinfonds, Mondriaanfonds, and RTV Utrecht.
Knock softly on my window. If the light is red and the curtains are open, you're more than welcome. Come in: don't judge.
My official name is Willy II, built in 1972. Before I arrive at the Nijverheidskade, I'm moored at 't Zandpad in Overvecht. Notorious and famous for its female beauty, available for rent by the hour. I'm not one of the first boats. After World War II, it was party time. Soldiers, far from home, were looking for a nice pair of breasts to celebrate their victories or to cry on. Utrecht met this need in 1945 by housing the girls of pleasure in boats just outside the city.
The trouble started in the 1980s. Increasingly, I'm carrying women who can't understand each other, homesick women, women who are black and blue... Inspections and petitions, arguments and illnesses follow. But besides that, believe me, there are just as many women with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Women who take great pleasure in monetizing their beautiful bodies. Yet, in 2013, we were closed, all boats in a row. It wasn't until 2017 that I was awakened. Along with two other boats from 't Zandpad, Utrecht artists hoisted me onto the quay of De Nijverheid free port. The "erroneously closed" signs adorn my windows, and my red stools are still upright: ready to be taken.
Do you hear that? They're knocking impatiently on my window. True beauty is always in demand.
In the summer of 2018, the artists will once again light my red light, like a lighthouse, a beacon in the night. Two of my tendon rooms will be repurposed: one will become the Zandpad Museum, where I'll talk about my illustrious past, and the other will become an exhibition space for emerging talent. Once again, my wood creaks and groans, as I work hard on new and exciting art. Every month.
I used to be a Boot that showed beautiful women, but from now on I show fine art and my name is: EXboot.
Dit is mijn binnenkant.
Dit is mijn buitenkant
