Volkshuisvesting Arnhem: Fashion’s ability to improve a neighbourhood

Amber is in Arnhem for only one month. Though if she would reside here permanently she would live, if it was up to Volkshuisvesting Arnhem (Arnhem’s public housing corporation), in a house on the Klarendalseweg, the street that forms the artery of Arnhem’s Modekwartier (“Fashion Quarters”). A neighbourhood that was, until a couple of years ago, a troubled area.

Volkshuisvesting Arnhem, which owns 13,000 rental houses throughout the city, initiated the project 100% Fashion to enliven the area, both socially and economically. The results are striking: by the end of 2010 the Modekwartier had transformed into a lively community, housing over fifty creative businesses, among them fashion designers, a modelling agency and several studios.

Following from this positive experience and its close relationship with ArtEZ Intitute of the Arts, Volkshuisvesting Arnhem initiated a collaboration with Arnhem Mode Biennale. Berry Kessels, Volkshuisvesting Arnhem: ‘The fashion industry proved to be a source of opportunity for Arnhem. The “Night of Fashion” that is organised for the third year running in the neighbourhood, takes place during the biennale. The event highlights the connection between Klarendal and Arnhem as a fashion city. We are very curious about Amber’s story. Who is she, and what will she tell us?’