“I meet a lot of special people”

Hetty van Bommel from ConvoiExceptionalHetty van Bommel is the artistic director of Convoi Exceptionnel, which creates theatrical art projects that connect people. She was one of the first artists in 2000 to have a workshop in the large warehouse on the NDSM site in the North: the Pink Studio. From there, the projects of Convoi Exceptionnel are conceived and created. Convoi Exceptionnel operates without money.Story“Since I discovered the Volunteer Center Amsterdam, I have met many new people, very good special people. All volunteers who work here are clearly guided. I want to offer them a warm bath here. It takes energy and attention, that’s true. Almost all of them have a story, often the reason why they want to do volunteer work now. One wants to start slowly again after a burnout, another is unemployed and trying to build a network in a new direction. Here people can clear their minds, do something without pressure. I handle these personal stories carefully.”

Since I started working with volunteers, it’s no longer all on my shoulders alone

Before working with volunteers through VCA, Hetty only asked for help in her own network of artists, who generally have little time. She needed people who could commit to the organization or a project for a longer period. “Since I started working with volunteers, I can further expand Convoi, it’s no longer all on my shoulders alone.”Open conversation“I have an open conversation with people who come here through VCA. The first question I ask is: why did you sign up as a volunteer at VCA? I’m interested in that. What do you want to do? What are you capable of? Once I know what you want, I’ll see how it fits. When you start here, I schedule two trial runs first. Then I arrange a small task and see what you can do and handle.”

These conversations take place in the Pink Studio. A beautiful space, downstairs a workshop, a steel staircase leading up, there’s the kitchen, two huge tables on wheels, a seating area by the immense windows. A homely atmosphere. The sugar is in the toolbox.Special Encounters“In this day and age, more and more people want to make space for special encounters. Volunteering is a great step. You feel useful, you contribute to something.”

At Convoi Exceptionnel, they work according to the pressure cooker principle: building a project together in a short time frame. The artistic director, various artists, technicians, the webmaster – everyone is involved. Everyone is given the opportunity to contribute ideas. The connection between the people involved is essential, which motivates people to get involved.”Interested in volunteering for art projects? View these job vacanciesSpace