ACU is a political-cultural
venue in the city centre of
Utrecht, 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 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 was replaced by a coffeehouse to be able to provide a public space for the squatting community. Eventually this developed into a venue providing a stage for 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, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared b ...
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
Benefit or benefits may refer to:
Arts, entertainment and media
* ''Benefit'' (album), by Jethro Tull, 1970
* "Benefits" (''How I Met Your Mother''), a 2009 TV episode
* '' The Benefit'', a 2012 Egyptian action film
Businesses and organisatio ...
, concerts, films, meetings
poetry events, political info nights, queer events and a
vegan restaurant.
See also
*
Moira (Utrecht)
*
Ubica
References
External links
Official website ACU
Kitchen PunxStrowis
{{Authority control
Dutch culture
Buildings and structures in Utrecht (city)
Music venues in the Netherlands
Infoshops
Legalized squats
Squats in the Netherlands
Social centres in the Netherlands