AG Vespa, the city of Antwerp’s property management company, is starting proceedings before the justice of the peace to have the Ercola artists collective evicted. For more than 50 years, they have rented a building in Wolstraat for their studios, and five artists live in the building. The city wants to sell the historic complex because renovation would cost too much.
Ercola artists had until 31 July to vacate the building on Wolstraat. The city took the decision to sell the building in December 2022 because it is in urgent need of renovation. The residents agree, but would like to return after the work is complete. As the cost of renovation could reach €8 million, according to the city, it was decided to sell the property.
The original deadline to vacate the building was the end of 2023. In consultation with the members of Ercola, that was extended to 31 July 2024. “Given the state of the buildings, such major works are necessary that are impossible if there are still residents there,” said city councillor Annick De Ridder, the chair of AG Vespa. “A further extension is not possible and this was repeatedly communicated to Ercola.”
A further extension is not possible and this was repeatedly communicated to Ercola
The artists have decided not to leave the premises for the time being, which is why AG Vespa is going to the justice of the peace to have that 31 July deadline enforced. “The demand will be made to deal with the case as soon as possible because of health and safety risks,” De Ridder said.
“According to our contract, which was tacitly renewed two years ago, we are allowed to stay here until September 2025,” artist and resident Frieda Kuterna said. Since the collective is currently staying, it has to keep paying rent. “That is absurd when you see the state of the housing here,” Kuterna said.
The 17th-century historic building complex was donated to the city in 1894 on condition that it would always be used for social purposes. A few years ago it became the property of AG Vespa, having belonged to the OCMW, the public centre for social welfare.