News, views and things that inspire us...
Start development: Wavin Experience Centre
December 2010
In recent years, Wavin has organised different 'experience' activities with stakeholders such as demonstrations in Hardewijk and training sessions throughout the Netherlands. Due to the success of these ventures, Wavin intends to develop a permanent experience centre.
Verkade Pavilion Nominated for Golden Heron Award
December 2010
The Golden Herons are awarded to outstanding projects in the field of audiovisual and interactive communication. The interactive installations in the Verkade Pavilion were a co-production between IJsfontein and Act2 and we were proud to receive a nomination. However, at the awards ceremony on 14th December 2010, the prize went to someone else.
New House-style Act2
November 2010
Act2 is proud to present a new house-style and website, developed by the team from Mixed Flavours in Amsterdam: Willie Burgsteden, Karl Guide and Bas Dirks. ‘Everyone Has A Story’ and now we can share our story with everyone. We look forward to your reactions. Mail to: cas.verholt@act2.nl
Visit to World Expo 2010 Shanghai
October 2010
Within the World Expo 2010 theme ‘better city, better life,’ I found the UK pavilion the most impressive. Greenery and biodiversity is a prerequisite for English cities to be liveable. At the ends of the fibreglass needles of the 'Cathedral Seed' were more than 60,000 different species of seeds, the source of all greenery.
Start Development: Refurbishment Zaans Museum
October 2010
The opening of the Verkade Pavilion in 2009 showed a great contrast in presentation to that of the existing Zaans Museum. Therefore, the museum wants to restructure its exhibition, focusing on unlocking the past, present and future of the industrial culture of the Zaan. Act2 has been asked to develop the new storyline and visitor experience.
Final Direction Drenthe Archive 3.0
October 2010
In 2008 and 2009, the Drenthe Archive and Act2 devised and collabarated on the concept for ‘Drenthe Archives 3.0.’ The Drenthe Archive 3.0 is a new medium for unlocking heritage information where archive content is linked not only by time, but by location. In 2011 and 2012 the existing building will be renovated and the medium developed. Act2 will direct the development and realisation of studio programmes and locative mobile routes.
Act2 moves to Amsterdam
March 2010
From 1st March 2010, Act2 has an office at the Nieuwe Achtergracht in Amsterdam, a beautiful and inspiring place in the creative capital of the Netherlands. We have great workplaces, an inspiring brainstorm room and a lovely lunch spot. You are welcome to visit.
Museum Visitors Tripled
February 2010
With the opening of the Verkade Pavilion, visits to the Zaans Museum have tripled to 60,000 visitors a year. The Verkade Pavilion has proved attractive to both Dutch and foreign visitors, young and old. The original target of 50,000 visitors per year was achieved with flying colors.
Delivery of Concept: Drenthe Archive 3.0
December 2009
Act2 was commissioned by the Drenthe Archive to develop the concept ‘Drenthe Archive 3.0,’ a new medium for unlocking heritage information and archive content linked not only to time, but to location. Central to the new visitor experience are contemporary and historical maps which can be navigated via interactive and digital technology—zooming in and out through an intuitive timeline makes finding historical information easier, educational and interesting. The Archive 3.0 is also coupled with GPS positioning, so with your smartphone you essentially carry the content of the entire Drenthe Archive in your pocket.
Royal Opening of Verkade Pavilion
11th March 2009
This Wednesday, Queen Beatrix sank her teeth into cookies, biscuits and chocolate bars when she opened the new Verkade Pavilion at the Zaans Museum in Zaandam. After pressing the time-lock, the machines rattled into life and the chocolate bars began to move along the conveyor belt. The sovereign then gave the command to ‘get to work’ to some Verkade Girls in the factory-like surroundings. Act2 collaborated with the Zaans Museum in developing the concept, the storyline and oversaw the realisation and production of the final exhibition.
Introduction of Time Machine
March 2009
How would it be to time travel by car? Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater, a carpenter's son, became famous throughout the world and in the Land of Leeghwater you can travel back through history—in your own car. All you need is the Time Machine, available to rent at the tourist office in Graft-De Ripe, the Information Centre in Middenbeemster and the Windmill Museum in the Schermer. The journey lasts about 2 hours and takes you back to the Golden Age, the time when Holland was a world power and where something special happened in this area.