Rotterdam gets dressed for Eurovision Song Contest

Rock Me

Fun fact: The winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989 was.......wait for it......Riva. The Yugoslavian act performed 'Rock Me'. Well that's very appropriate. Because we are the number one rental expert in and around Rotterdam and we rock. Specialising in offering accommodation to expats and international students. But we also offer short stay and that could be a nice alternative to hotels or airbnb as we explained before.

Artistic decoration

Off course we're not the only one getting ready for the Eurovision Song Contest. It is announced Arttenders and Studio VollaersZwart will be responsible for the artistic decoration of the city. More producers will be added coming weeks. “Rotterdam has built up a beautiful reputation when it comes to city dressing. We want to surpass ourselves once again for the decoration around the Eurovision Song Contest. Both Arttenders and Studio Vollaerszwart have a solid reputation in the (international) world of art and design. We are convinced they will surprise both residents and visitors to the city. It promises to be a complete experience,'' proclaimed Annemieke van Wegen-Delhaas, project leader City Branding & City Dressing Host City ESC2020 Rotterdam.

Studio VollaersZwart are very experienced. Last year they transformed the pedestrian area of ​​the Maastunnel into the Tunnel of Love. A declaration of love from the artist duo to all Rotterdammers and a birthday gift for the Maastunnel. During the Rotterdam City of Architecture event in 2007 they applied the colour purple to 40 prominent buildings of Rotterdam's skyline. They dressed the the city in sexy striped corsets because of the exhibition by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier in the Kunsthal. Sailor City Dressing was inspired by Rotterdam’s harbour and Gaultier's famous blue and white sailor stripe motif. They designed for North Sea Jazz and on the occasion of the start of the Tour the France in Rotterdam in 2010 they created Yellow Lines. Quotes and one-liners from famous cyclists were transcribed as yellow lines of text onto the city’s buildings – echoing the colour of the famous yellow jersey. 

Tunnel of Love

In 2014 they created La Linea, a routing for a architectural festival in Rotterdam. Inspired by Osvaldo Cavandolis animation La Linea 4 km of purple slackline connected the festival locations and buildings. They will do something likewise this spring. Under the name Sing Along City the artistic duo Madje Vollaers and Pascal Zwart will provide a colorful mega ribbon that marks the route from Central Station to Ahoy. Streets and buildings are decorated with hundreds of reused international flags, which will soon make all foreign guests feel welcome. In addition to the lavish decoration, there is also entertainment en route. There will be karaoke bikes for example. 

The Good Plees

Faye Ellen and Siobhan Burger of Arttenders will develop a striking concept for the Eurovision Song Contest with "Don't piss, but sing!" #TheGoodPlees. A mobile extravagant stage that will provide a true happening in various places in the city. Not just a must-see, but thanks to the flamboyant line-up and special acts the place for an unforgettable festival experience.

VollaersZwart and Arttenders call on graphic designers, performers and fashion designers to join both concepts. For example, Vollaerszwart is looking for designers for various fashionpieces. Arttenders is still looking for designers who can shape the mobile stage, but also makes a call to performers who want to perform. 

Studio VollaersZwart will dress Rotterdam

NikkieTutorials will also host

The Netherlands' most famous internet star, makeup artist NikkieTutorials (Nikkie de Jager) will be the online reporter on the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. She will also record a special backstage YouTube series with the participating artists, report from the red carpet during the Opening Ceremony and will be present at all three live shows.

With over 13 million subscribers on YouTube and 13.8 million on Instagram, self-described professional hair & makeup artist and beauty guru NikkieTutorials is the biggest Dutch internet star of the moment. Her success reaches far beyond national borders: Nikkie has done the makeup of stars such as Kim Kardashian, Jessie J and Lady Gaga.

"From the moment Duncan Laurence won in Tel Aviv, I had only one wish: to be involved in the Dutch edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. When I was approached for this at the end of last year, I was so extremely honoured. I am really looking forward to immersing myself in this unique experience for 2 weeks," she said. 

Nikkie will join Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit. Chantal Janzen is a famous actress and presenter, Edsilia Rombley a presenter, singer and two-time Eurovision participant and Jan Smit is a successful singer, presenter and Eurovision commentator for the Netherlands.

Eurovision Village

It's also announced where the Eurovison Village will be. It will be on the Binnenrotte, between the Market Hall, Blaak station, the Central Library and Librijesteeg. Let's just say tenants in this apartment will have a terrific view on the fan zone and the concerts. The location has been chosen after careful consideration and on the advice of the (safety) services. Everyone is welcome! The entrance is free of charge. The village will be build by Tribe Company. A well known full-service event agency. They already organise quite a lot in Rotterdam like De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE, BusinessBoost Live and Broederliefde in Ahoy.

During the Song Contest, the weekly market (a must see) moves up for five times. That will be, including assembly and disassembly days, on 5, 9, 12, 16 and 19 of May. The market will be standing between the Librijesteeg (Binnenrotte) and the Jacobsplaats (parkering spaces). The fabric stalls will stay at the Hoogstraat (in front of the library). The Sunday market will also be moved twice: on 10 and 17 of May. However, the Sunday market can be moved in its entirety to another part on the Binnenrotte.

 

Eurovision Village Rotterdam 2020