Gerrit van der Veen College

In 1930, the building that houses Gerrit van der Veen College first opened its doors. It wasn’t for the aspiring artists and students you see today though. It began as a girls’ HBS. Imagine the hallways filled with young women, their uniforms crisp, their minds eager for knowledge. This building has seen a lot of history. During World War II, the Sicherheitsdienst, the Nazi security service, occupied the Gerrit van der Veen College building. A dark chapter in its story, a stark contrast to the creativity that thrives within its walls today. In a twist of fate, on November 26, 1944, an Allied bomb struck nearby. The Gerrit van der Veen College building suffered minor damage. However, thirty houses in the surrounding area were destroyed. The street the school stood on, once called Euterpestraat, was renamed after Gerrit van der Veen. He was a sculptor and resistance fighter executed by the Nazis in 1944. The Gerrit van der Veen College carries his name, a testament to his courage and a reminder of the struggle for freedom. Today, Gerrit van der Veen College is a hub of artistic expression. About a third of the students pursue dance or music alongside their academic studies. The school has partnerships with prestigious institutions. These include the Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts, the National Ballet Academy, and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Walk through the halls, and you’ll feel the creative energy. You might hear music drifting from practice rooms, or see students sketching in the common areas. The school’s motto, “Creativity and flourishing,” is evident in every corner. Gerrit van der Veen College’s commitment to the arts is woven into its curriculum. Lower-level classes include dance, drama, music, cultural artistic education, drawing, and handicrafts. As students progress, they can choose to specialize in drama, music, or visual arts for their exams. The school also hosts “art days.” During these days, students participate in workshops led by local Amsterdam artists. The annual school performance and the “Becoming” talent show provide further opportunities for students to showcase their skills. The school also participates in the Amsterdam Rozentuinfestival, connecting them with the wider artistic community. Gerrit van der Veen College stands as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of art.