Marktsteeg 10

Marktsteeg 10 is a cultural hotspot in the historic centre of Leiden, boasting a curated shop, an events space for the arts, studio’s and a daylight photo studio. Art exhibits, readings, receptions, screenings, concerts, pop-up dinner parties: it is a meeting ground for creatives to share and present their work & ideas. 

In 2015, Marktsteeg 10 was a derelict ruin in the heart of Leiden’s old industrial quarter, abandoned since the 1980’s. Visual artist Casper Faassen and arts administrator Michaël Roumen bought and renovated the property, envisioning a new vibrant spot in the centre of what is now Leiden’s ‘Cultural Quarter’.

We wrote a business plan for the property and the role it would play in the cultural development of the neighborhood, detailing an extensive renovation to turn an old, dark warehouse into a light and open space for the arts. Through my network I managed to get a ‘mission related investment loan’ from a philanthropic foundation, allowing us to buy and renovate the building. As Casper focusses on programming, I oversee the management of the building and day-to-day operations on the ground floor where we opened an exhibit- and event-space, programming both our own initiatives as hosting an array of partner events and exhibits.