Moira (Utrecht)


Moira is a music and arts venue in the city center of Utrecht, Netherlands. Formerly the headquarters of an insurance company, it was squatted in 1983 by artists. Legalized in 1990, it focuses on early career artists and innovative performances.

History

Moira is located at the edge of the old town of Utrecht, close to the still extant moat, where the Plompetoren once stood. That was a Middle Ages defense tower, set behind the town wall, which was demolished in 1832.
In 1907 G. Plijnaar opened a gymnastic hall for children, the current Zaal, the dancing floor.
In 1928 the Zaal has been turned into a Catholic dancing school and a balustrade has been added to be able to watch the dancing couples.
In 1959 the building became the headquarters of Moira Verzekeringen, an insurance company. The name comes from the Moirai, the Greek goddesses of fate. The Zaal was used as canteen and it was also suitable for company parties.
After the complex became vacant, it was squatted in 1983 by artists and musicians looking for affordable living and working spaces. Between 1983 and 1989, the Moira complex was converted into a residential arts center. Living rooms, studios, rehearsal spaces for bands and an exhibition gallery were then added to the existing party hall. After renovation and legalization of the complex in 1990, the Moira Foundation was established to manage the workspaces.

Activities

Moira Foundation rents the workspaces for non-commercial and non-profit cultural activities. In particular, the foundation offers a stage to early career artists and musicians who have made little or no name in the established circuit. It also gives innovative initiatives in the field of visual art, music and theater the opportunity to perform. Exhibition space Moira organizes about ten events every year.