The merger initiative, intended to unify Codarts and the Willem de Kooning Academy, was jointly initiated by Codarts, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. The Willem de Kooning Academy is part of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. The merger aimed to jointly deliver high-quality arts education in Rotterdam, addressing social challenges and supporting talent development under one unified banner. The educational institutions collectively recognise the potential and added value that strengthening higher arts education could offer for students, the city, and the institutions themselves.
The potential merger between Codarts and the Willem de Kooning Academy has been thoroughly assessed, and findings indicate that, at this time, the combination of the two institutions does not provide a sufficient foundation for sustainably establishing a single Rotterdam arts institution. The current form of collaboration is considered the best route to achieving ambitions for robust arts education and pioneering research. The focus remains on strengthening and deepening existing collaborations, allowing each institution to contribute optimally to arts education in Rotterdam through its unique identity and strengths.
David Lauwen, President of Codarts, stated: “Despite the end of the merger process, we remain united in our goals and look confidently towards the opportunities to realise our shared vision.”
Sarah Wilton-Wels, President of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, added: “Our commitment to exploring collaborations that contribute to higher arts education in our city remains strong. This shared ambition and dream—high-quality arts education that our students and the city deserve—continues to be our guiding compass in shaping our educational and research collaborations. For now, we want to provide clarity and stability, so everyone knows where they stand.”
Educational and Research Collaborations
Codarts, the Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA), and Erasmus University (EUR) have an established partnership in arts education and research. Joint projects and courses are organised in which students from all three institutions participate. Since 2015, these institutions have collaborated within the Rotterdam Arts & Science Lab (RASL). RASL offers dual degree programmes that bring together arts and sciences, enabling students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences and a university bachelor’s degree simultaneously. Additionally, the RASL minor provides an interdisciplinary perspective on education, and research that transcends the boundaries of art and science is encouraged. Next year, RASL will celebrate its 10th anniversary and has proven to be an excellent foundation for further intensifying collaboration between WdKA, Codarts, and EUR.
