During the transition period to a sustainable building, some of our programming will land in various spaces of Het HEM. At the same time, we will be fully available for business rentals.
Art is our first language. Even while we are closed for renovations, our programming continues. You will find our art programmes at off-site locations throughout the year and on the digital platform The Couch. The permanent installations in Het HEM will remain open to the public after the renovation.
Our music programme focuses on experimental ways of making, presenting and experiencing sound in the building through listening sessions, live performances and musical artist-in-residence programmes. During renovations, we organise music programmes at off-site locations and on the digital platform The Couch.
We are closed at the moment. When we are open again you are welcome for a drink and a bite, wine and dine at our restaurant. With good wether we suggest you settle down on our sunny terrace on the Costa del Zaano.
Het HEM loves books. During your visit, come lose yourself in the library's rich selection or discover new favourites in the SANZ Shop.
The building's industrial design and our experimental art programme bring ambience and meaning to every event.
Situated in a former munitions factory, Het HEM is a new home for contemporary culture.
Sat 16 - Sun 17 April
22h - 10h
The sun starts to set, the shadows of the pillars in the factory dance and sway and create a game of which only they know the rules. This time you don’t join by dancing, but by staying the night in this enormous exposition space on the first floor at Het HEM during our Sleep IN: Slow Wave Phase programme. This event is inspired by Robert Rich’s concept of “Sleep Concerts”, which functioned as a base for the Sleep IN-series in Leipzig. Last October we hosted this event as Slow Wave Phase for the first time in Het HEM. We’re excited to tell you that this event returns on April 16.
Sleep IN: Slow Wave Phase is an overnight stay in the enormous exhibition hall on the first floor of Het HEM. The participants spend the evening and the night in this open space under the guidance of several music and sound artists. The combination of the support pillars on this floor and the row of 75 beds total create the perfect (and almost absurdist) setting.
The idea of sleeping in a space together in combination with the music and auditive guidance gives a new dimension to our understanding of what sleep can be. It is super rare to share the intimacy of our night’s rest with so many people at the same time. When we spend time with other people our brains are more active and our senses are more alert – even in different states of consciousness like when we’re sleeping and dreaming.
The evening starts with an opening performance by Jessica Ekomane. At this time you will see the sunset through the factory's windows and you experience the transition from evening into night. Her quadraphonic renditions are characterised by their physical effects. Through the combination and play of psychoacoustics, the perception of rhythmic structures and the exchange between noise and melody, she searches for a state of catharsis through her music.
Nina, Rural Juror, Pieter Jansen and no services will guide the rest of the night. The music and sounds they create give extra sensory impulses during your sleep. These impulses influence the way you dream – they become more lively and it seems as if you can remember more.
As you wake up with the first rays of the sun, Haron Aumaj & Cucina Povera provide a collective performance that might just give ‘waking up’ and ‘consciousness’ a different meaning.
Expect to rethink the concept of sleep. The setting, artists and the experiment itself make up for an unforgettable experience.
Buy your tickets here.