Rataplan

HOW IT ALL STARTED: 1997 to 2016
In 1997, Rataplan was born as a theater workspace in an old parish house in Borgerhout, Antwerp. Rataplan focused on the development of young creators, programming innovative yet accessible work with both young artists and established names in theater, (jazz) music and children's arts. In 2006, Rataplan was recognized as an Arts Center and built its own artistic operation for innovative work. At that time Rataplan was the main (motivator) behind the renovation of a rundown cinema, which today is widely known as De Roma, a popular concert hall. For many years there was a strong connection between Rataplan and De Roma and the two worked closely together until 2018. Now we are still partners in crime, but as independent houses with their own artistic direction.

JAZZ SUPPLIER SINCE 2001
Even during its pioneering years, Rataplan resolutely pulled the jazz card. Rataplan offers innovative musicians a stage and space to develop, experiment with their music and artistic dreams. Almost the entire Belgian jazz scene was once on stage at Rataplan. Artists such as Jef Neve and Robin Verheyen played there as up-and-coming talents, but also renowned jazz musicians such as Philippe Catherine, Bert Joris, AKA Moon, Lander Gyselinck, De Beren Gieren, Joachim Badenhorst, AKI, Nabou, Samuel Ber... In addition, every year Rataplan receives international artists such as Sons of Kemet, Soweto Kinch, Jamie Peet or Niels Broos, Dave Douglas.... Today Rataplan has become the jazz house in Antwerp, with an above-local reputation and network in Flanders, presenting young as well as established names on stage. There is a residency program for emerging artists and new work. There are musical talent development classes for children and youth living in the metropolitan context. Rataplan is supported by a broad urban and multi-voiced community of artists, audiences, volunteers and partners.

TODAY: VISION
Rataplan is a participatory arts house that connects the jazz tradition to the multi-voiced, metropolitan context. It is a house fed by a community of artists, partner organizations, children, youth, volunteers, audiences and city residents. Rataplan brings people together and gives them a voice that echoes through all parts of the house as assigned co-owners: in the jazz program, art education programs, the renovation of the building, the daily operations but equally the bar, the board or the volunteer work. Rataplan works explicitly intergenerational and manages to excite both young and old through a belief in the connecting power of imagination.