ACU is a political-cultural
venue in the city centre of
Utrecht
Utrecht ( ; ; ) is the List of cities in the Netherlands by province, fourth-largest city of the Netherlands, as well as the capital and the most populous city of the Provinces of the Netherlands, province of Utrecht (province), Utrecht. The ...
, in the Netherlands.
The name ACU is derived from "Auto Centrale Utrecht" (Car Centre Utrecht) and is one of the many signs of its origin as an old
squat. Nowadays it is still run by volunteers as an
infoshop
Infoshops are places in which people can access anarchist or autonomist ideas. They are often stand-alone projects, or can form part of a larger radical bookshop, archive, self-managed social centre or community centre. Typically, infoshops offer ...
and
social centre in order to keep it an independent and non-profit harbour within Utrecht's nightlife.
History
The car centre ACU existed from 1935 to 1967. In 1976, the premises were squatted and adapted for habitation. Over time, multiple small businesses settled there as well, for example a bike-shop. The residents started a cinema in the former showroom in 1979. After two years, the cinema gave way to a coffeehouse, creating a public space for the squatting community. This space evolved into a venue that has been offering a stage to local and international bands since 1985.
After almost being evicted the squatters realized the premises had to be bought. A foundation "stichting Voorstaete" was established to buy the property. In 1994, Stichting Voorstaete bought the ACU and the squatted premises around the corner, which now houses the
hostel
A hostel is a form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory sleeping 4–20 people, with shared use of a lounge and usually a kitchen. Rooms can be private or shared - mixe ...
Strowis. After years of refurbishing the building, the ACU reopened in 1998, and was completed as the current venue in 1999.
Activities
The ACU hosts a wide range of activities including: anarchist library the Barricade,
benefits, concerts, films, meetings
poetry
Poetry (from the Greek language, Greek word ''poiesis'', "making") is a form of literature, literary art that uses aesthetics, aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meaning (linguistics), meanings in addition to, or in ...
events, political info nights, queer events and a
vegan
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products and the consumption of animal source foods, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A person who practices veganism is known as a ve ...
restaurant.
See also
*
Moira (Utrecht)
*
Ubica
References
External links
Official website ACU
Kitchen PunxStrowis
{{Authority control
Culture of the Netherlands
Buildings and structures in Utrecht (city)
Music venues in the Netherlands
Infoshops
Legalized squats
Squats in the Netherlands
Social centres in the Netherlands