The Inflexion Foundation is pleased to announce a long-term commitment to Kazerne Reigersbos, an Amsterdam-based community centre launched to connect its local Reigersbos community and serve as a hub for creatives and starting entrepreneurs. The Inflexion Foundation has committed to a grant of £50,000 per annum for the next three years. This commitment to Kazerne Reigersbos is the Inflexion Foundation’s first Netherlands-based partnership, following the opening of Inflexion’s Benelux office in Amsterdam in 2021.

Kazerne Reigersbos, which translates to “Reigersbos Firehouse”, was founded in 2020 by Maru Asmellash to provide enhanced facilities and bring together creatives and starting entrepreneurs in the Reigersbos area of Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, an area benefiting from a close-knit community as well as being spacious and green, but at the same time characterised by a social-economic position well below the Amsterdam average.

The Kazerne brings together diverse groups of people across age groups with interest in art, culture, music and sport. The centre’s 18 studios are used by creative entrepreneurs, artists and cultural organisations, while its music studio attracts a variety of talent, including a band nominated for the 2022 Amsterdam art prize. The Kazerne also comprises neighbourhood workplaces, a kitchen, coffee bar and indoor sports facilities.

The impressive work the Kazerne has undertaken in the last couple of years is testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved when strong community spirit is harnessed. We are familiar with this through our long-term support of Roundhouse in London, and are inspired by the positive impact a space for creatives can have on the local community. We look forward to supporting Maru and his team at the Kazerne in the years to come.

Simon Turner, Trustee, Inflexion Foundation

We are grateful to the Inflexion Foundation for their belief in our model. Their generous financial commitment alongside their experience in working with an organization similar to ours in London makes us confident we will benefit greatly from their funding and support.

Maru Asmellash, Founder, Kazerne