A New Home for Creativity: Introducing the Albert Dolmans Art Academy at NAISR

At Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam, we believe that creativity is not an extra. It is an essential part of a young person's education, helping students develop confidence, curiosity, critical thinking and self-expression.

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That is why we are delighted to celebrate the opening of the Albert Dolmans Art Academy, a transformative new creative space made possible through the generous support of the Stichting William K. Gordon Scholarship Fund.

This remarkable investment in our students and our community has created a dedicated home for visual arts at NAISR. The newly renovated academy features enhanced studio space, beautiful new skylights that fill the rooms with natural light, new flooring, specialist art equipment, and a professional ceramic kiln that opens exciting new possibilities for three-dimensional and ceramic art.

Most importantly, it provides an inspiring environment where young artists can explore, experiment, create and grow.

Continuing the Legacy of Albert Dolmans

The academy honours the life and artistic legacy of Albert Dolmans (1928-2021), the Dutch-American painter whose work bridged Europe and the United States throughout a distinguished artistic career.

Albert Dolmans believed deeply in the power of art to connect people, cultures and ideas. His creative spirit and passion for artistic expression continue to inspire future generations. Several of his works are displayed within our school, creating a tangible connection between our students and an artist whose impact continues to be felt both locally and internationally.

As Sheila Gazaleh-Weevers, Chair of the Stichting William K. Gordon Scholarship Fund, reflected:

"Albert would have been deeply touched to know that an international art academy bears his name. He lived a life driven by creativity, and we hope his story and artistic legacy will inspire young artists to discover the same joy in art that brought him so much fulfilment."

A Transformative Space for Learning

The Albert Dolmans Art Academy represents far more than a renovation project. It is an investment in creativity, innovation and student potential.

For students across our Secondary School, the academy provides acc

ess to a purpose-built environment that encourages artistic risk-taking and creative exploration. Whether students are sketching, painting, sculpting, designing or working with ceramics, they now have access to facilities that support ambitious artistic projects and authentic learning experiences.

The addition of a ceramic kiln is particularly significant, allowing students to experience the complete creative process from concept and design through to firing and finishing their own ceramic works. This hands-on experience helps students develop technical skills, perseverance and artistic confidence.

The new facilities will have a particularly profound impact on students studying IB Visual Arts within both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). These students create sophisticated portfolios and exhibitions that require experimentation with a wide range of materials, techniques and media. The academy provides the professional-quality environment and resources needed to support this advanced level of artistic practice.

By working in a dedicated creative space, students can develop stronger artistic voices, push the boundaries of their creativity and produce work that reflects both technical skill and personal expression.

Creating Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

The vision for the Albert Dolmans Art Academy extends beyond our students alone.

The academy will serve as a hub for artistic engagement, creating opportunities to connect young people with artists, exhibitions, workshops and the wider Rotterdam arts community. In doing so, it strengthens NAISR's commitment to being not only a school, but also an active contributor to the cultural life of our city.

Looking Ahead

We are profoundly grateful to the Stichting William K. Gordon Scholarship Fund for making this vision a reality.

As Alison Lipp, Principal of Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam, explains:

"The Albert Dolmans Art Academy is a wonderful gift to our students, both now and for generations to come. It provides the space, tools and inspiration for young artists to discover their creative voice, develop their talents and experience the joy of artistic expression. We are incredibly grateful to the Stichting William K. Gordon Scholarship Fund for helping us create a learning environment where creativity can truly flourish."

The opening of the Albert Dolmans Art Academy marks an exciting new chapter for arts education at NAISR. Through the generosity of the William K. Gordon Scholarship Fund and the enduring legacy of Albert Dolmans, our students now have an inspiring space where imagination, creativity and artistic excellence can thrive.