Zwolle through the eyes of Jolijn: "Here, I find creativity and connection"
- Design
For Jolijn Bos, a Graphic Design student, Zwolle is the ultimate student city; a place where she deepens her artistic vision and carves out her space in the cultural scene. Despite not knowing the city beforehand, she trusted her instincts and chose ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Zwolle, where she immediately felt at home. Alongside her studies, Jolijn works on innovative projects as part of her artist collective, Kollectief ZEP. “Zwolle gives me the freedom to experiment and truly express something through my work,” she says.
Originally from Oss, Jolijn began her journey in design at SintLucas in Eindhoven, studying media design. “It didn’t take me long to realise I wanted more than just creating something visually appealing,” she explains. “I also wanted my work to communicate something meaningful.” This drive led her to choose ArtEZ in Zwolle after finishing her vocational studies, seeking a deeper artistic foundation.
A new home in an unknown city
Her decision to move to Zwolle was guided by intuition. “The academy was the decisive factor. I didn’t know the city, but I just felt like this was where I needed to be,” she says. Now, two and a half years later, Zwolle truly feels like home. “The people here are friendly and approachable, and the city has a cosy, welcoming vibe. When I cycle through town, I genuinely feel like I belong,” she shares.
Kollectief ZEP: freedom and experimentation
While studying, Jolijn co-founded Kollectief ZEP with another creator. “With ZEP, we’ve created a space to freely express ourselves and experiment. We aim to develop innovative forms and encourage people to think differently,” she explains. One of their projects, Geconserveerd Verlangen (Preserved Longing), explores how societal expectations suppress personal desires. For example, an adult who wants their face painted might hesitate because it’s seen as “not appropriate.” By documenting such desires, ZEP highlights the unspoken rules that often constrain people. The collective exhibited their work at Het Langhuis, an opportunity that encouraged them to push forward. “In a city like Amsterdam, this might have been harder because there’s already so much competition for space. In Zwolle, there’s still room for new initiatives,” she notes.
A thriving, close-knit creative community
What Jolijn values most about Zwolle is its accessible and vibrant creative community. ArtEZ attracts talented students from across the country, from Friesland to Brabant. “Everyone here shares the same curiosity and the desire to grow. It creates a strong sense of connection,” she says. “At ArtEZ, we greet each other in the hallways, even if we don’t know one another. That open and friendly atmosphere is something special.” This environment makes Jolijn feel even more connected to the city and its people.
Inspiring spots in Zwolle
Zwolle’s blend of old and new inspires Jolijn both in her work and during her free time. “Waanders in de Broeren, a bookstore in an old church, is a place I love to visit. The atmosphere and the rows of book covers always spark my imagination,” she says. “I’m a visual thinker, so I find inspiration in all those covers next to each other.” Another favourite spot is Blauwdruk, a shop selling creations by local makers. “A friend and fellow student sells her illustrations there,” she shares. Jolijn is also a fan of the Kattengat Festival, where Zwolle’s creative energy truly comes to life. “Places and events like these are at the heart of Zwolle’s cultural scene; they make the city feel special.” She describes Zwolle as a city full of character, with winding streets, canals, and historic buildings that exude a timeless quality. “Walking through the centre, it sometimes feels like you’re stepping back in time,” she says.
A place to discover yourself
For Jolijn, Zwolle is more than just a place to live and study. It’s an environment that nurtures her growth and creativity. “To me, Zwolle represents a new chapter in my life where I’m finding my voice and standing on my own. The city gives me the space to evolve,” she says. Through her work with Kollectief ZEP, Jolijn is now contributing to Zwolle’s creative scene and vibrant community herself.
Open doors
Jolijn understands that some young people might hesitate to move “all the way” to Overijssel for their studies but emphasises that it feels closer than you might think. “Don’t see it as a hurdle,” she advises. “It’s refreshing to be in a new environment and build new connections.” Zwolle gives her a sense of open doors: “Here, you truly get the chance to forge your own path.”
