Enschede through Chanella’s eyes: “A little rebellious”
- Fine Art
Chanella Ter Haar is a fourth-year Fine Art student at the AKI ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design in Enschede. Born in Lelystad and raised in Friesland, she has found her creative home in the eastern part of the country. “To me, Enschede is a place where I can be completely myself, in both my art and the cultural scene.”
Initially, Chanella began studying at ArtEZ in Zwolle, pursuing the Fine Art and Design in Education course, mostly for the job security of a teaching qualification. “However, I realised that I was much more motivated to create things myself, rather than learning theoretical subjects or teaching. So I applied for the Fine Art programme at AKI and immediately found my niche.”
"It feels like a community"
The most appealing aspect of the programme, according to Chanella, is “the freedom. The teachers guide you, but in your own process. In your first year, you try out everything, but after that, your path forward all depends on what you feel the urge to create. Having that space and freedom to work at my own pace worked really well for me.” The small-scale nature of AKI has also been a big plus. “It has a community feel to it. Everyone knows each other and the school feels organised. That makes it easier to ask for help or collaborate.”
Room for experiment
For Chanella, the freedom and room to experiment is what makes Enschede unique. “Because we are a bit further from a big city, it can sometimes feel as if we are outside the realm of the established art world. However, that actually makes it a more experimental environment, a little rebellious. You can fully try out your own ideas here. You’re not just stepping into the flow of the existing system; you must create things yourself. If you have an idea, there is a very good chance that you can actually bring it to life here. The municipality supports cultural projects, and the creative community is very open.”
I worked at a bar and there I met so many interesting people, from students to musicians to artists."
A good place for artists
In addition to her studies, Chanella is also active in Enschede’s cultural scene. “I work as an organiser and curator at Tankstation, a meeting space where I organise exhibitions regularly. It is a wonderful place for artists just starting out to showcase their work and come together. Aside from that, I also paint.” Her social network grew mostly thanks to her work in hospitality. “I worked at a bar and there I met so many interesting people, from students to musicians to artists. Having that exposure inspired me loads. Even though it was unrelated to what I’m studying, it actually motivated me to contribute more to the city and the cultural sector.”
Chanella's favourite spots
For Chanella, Enschede’s unmissable spots include Tankstation and Sickhouse. Sickhouse is a space where art, games and technology meet. The location organises events such as the Overkill Festival, where art students and game creators collaborate. “Creative cross-pollination like this,” she says, “is what makes the city so special.” In addition, cafés such as Proeflokaal, Stanislaus Brewskovitch and Rocks make the favourites list. “These places are very social and approachable, and you can always find someone there. That’s what makes Enschede so cosy - everything is close by and accessible. That’s nice, especially if, like me, you’re trying to really build your life here.”
Je komt er altijd mensen tegen, dat maakt Enschede zo gezellig. Alles is dichtbij en toegankelijk. Dat voelt fijn, zeker als je zoals ik hier echt een leven opbouwt.”
AKI's first student association
Lately, there has been another nice addition to student life in Enschede: AKI’s first student association, which Chanella played a huge role in creating. “AKI has never had a student association, but since December, that is no longer the case. I have worked on this project for two years alongside other motivated students and was allowed to sign my name on its official founding document. It feels like an enormous milestone for me. Since I’m graduating soon, I unfortunately won’t be very involved much anymore. However, the notion that I’m leaving something behind that future students will get so much from makes me very proud.”
Not planning to leave
Chanella’s future plans are already taking shape for her life post-graduation. “At first, I thought that I would like to continue on directly with a master’s. I always said that I wanted to move out of Enschede once I graduated, but I’ve reconsidered that now. There is so much happening in the cultural sector here. I want to stay here for at least another year, so that I can be a part of those new developments. Enschede is the place where I began my creative life, where I discovered and developed my passions. That’s why it’s such a special city for me.”
Chanella's advice
For future students, Chanella has one important piece of advice. “Don’t be afraid to make something happen yourself. Whether through a part-time job, a project or something else, Enschede is a city where you can develop yourself. But you do have to take the initiative yourself, and if you do, you will see just how much is possible.”
Read more about studying in Enschede
