On Saturday the 21st of March, we are officially launching the Waste Alchemists platform and we would love to celebrate that with you. The day has two (optional) parts: hands-on workshops where you experience waste transformation yourself, and an open evening where we launch the platform together with stories, awesome products made from waste, and good conversations.

Event description

This evening is our way of saying: Waste Alchemists is live, and it’s time to meet in real life. A moment to come together, slow down, and experience what this platform is really about, beyond screens and words.

1. Workshops from 14:00 to 17:00 (Please note: this requires a separate registration): Curious to get hands-on earlier in the day? Read more and book the workshop from Studio Fiep here: ‘Make your own bag from festival banners‘
2. Official launch evening from 17:00 to 20:00: This part is for free and is all about coming together. From the moment you walk into Vogelfrei, you can start exploring. Products made from waste are spread throughout the space, photography and video stories play in the background, and nothing is tucked away behind ropes. You can touch, try, ask questions and meet some of the makers behind the work. We’ll gather briefly for a short opening moment to share why Waste Alchemists exists, how it grew from stories into a platform, and where it’s heading. A few makers will speak honestly about what they make and what they need to keep going. After that, you’re free to wander through the exhibition, take part in small playful elements that invite you to look at materials differently, grab a drink or some soup, and connect at your own pace. Just time to discover, talk and experience waste as a valuable resource full of stories.

What you can expect

• Hands-on workshops earlier in the day (separate ticket)
• A photo exhibition with Waste Alchemists stories
• An interactive display of products made from waste materials
• A short opening to mark the launch
• Plenty of time to explore, talk, and connect
• Drinks at the bar and warm soup with fresh sourdough bread

Who it’s for

• Makers, creatives, and curious people
• Friends, collaborators, and supporters of Waste Alchemists
• Anyone interested in waste transformation and material stories
• No prior knowledge needed

Practical information

• Date: 21 March
• Launch evening: 17:00–20:00
• Price: free (registration required)
• Location: VOGELFREI, Utrecht
• Drinks & food: Available at the bar and paid on the spot. We’ll also share a small selection of snacks
• Registration: Required for the launch evening so we know what to expect ;)

Good to know

There will be a bar open for drinks, and warm soup will also be available to be paid on the spot. Vogelfrei is easy to reach by public transport, with Utrecht Zuilen station just a short walk away. The area around the venue is intentionally car-light, so parking on site is limited. If you do come by car, please be prepared to park nearby and take a short walk. Whenever possible, we recommend coming by bike or public transport.

Feel like joining?

Register for the Waste Alchemists Launch Event, and if you’re up for it, grab a workshop ticket as well to make a full day out of it.