ERCOLAND

Together, we’re buying Ercoland.

A group of seven people posing in a small, cluttered room with a white wall and a sign that says 'ERCOLA' with a bunch of grapes hanging from their hand. Four people are standing, two are crouching, and one is sitting. Some are holding tools like a hammer and an anvil, and they are all dressed casually.

Who is Ercoland?

Ercoland is a bold citizen-led initiative with one clear ambition: to secure a lasting place for art, creativity and connection in the heart of Antwerp.

At its centre is the historic Ercola artists’ house in the Wolstraat; a place where artists have been working side by side for more than half a century. Today, Ercoland aims to preserve and expand that legacy, anchoring more than 30 affordable artist studios alongside spaces for exhibitions, events, residencies, community life and public encounter.

It is not simply about saving a building. It is about protecting something increasingly rare in growing cities: space to create.

A cobblestone pathway leading to an old building with weathered white walls and multiple windows surrounded by plants and flowers.

Why Ercoland Matters

Great cities need more than beautiful buildings. They need places where ideas can emerge, where young talent can grow and where different generations and disciplines meet.

For more than 50 years, the Ercola site has offered exactly that kind of environment. Artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and makers have shared space, tools, knowledge and inspiration there. Ercoland wants to ensure that this creative ecosystem remains rooted in the city — accessible, affordable and protected from short-term speculation.

Because a city that wants to show art tomorrow needs to make room for artists today.

A crowd of people gathered outside a large historic building, with some listening to a person speaking at the front near audio equipment on a wet step surface.

How WAVE Supports Ercoland

At WAVE, we believe real estate is not only about developing places. Sometimes, it is about helping protect the places that already matter.

That is why WAVE contributed financially to Ercoland’s campaign to acquire its historic home in the Wolstraat. A small contribution to a much bigger collective effort; helping artists, citizens and organisations come together to keep creativity rooted in the heart of Antwerp.

Because some spaces are worth more than their square metres.

Sign with text in Dutch announcing the opening of a store called ErcoLand, featuring a bird silhouette and the website www.ercoland.be.

Want to Support Ercoland Too?

Ercoland is built on collective action. More than 2,000 citizens and organisations have already joined forces, raising over €2 million to help secure the future of this unique place. Supporters can still get involved by becoming a cooperator and helping shape the future of Ercoland. Whether you invest, lend your support or simply help spread the story, every contribution helps protect space for art, creativity and connection in Antwerp. Discover Ercoland and find out how to support them