The exhibition Artificial Amsterdam interrogates the idea of Amsterdam as a man-made city – the city that has been partially built on the water, and is well organized through its comprehensive network of rules and laws. Is there a link between the planned, physical structure and the personal experience of the residents, or, on the contrary, is there an entirely different Amsterdam behind the façades, which is far from being as controlled is as it appears at first glance? International artists who have lived for longer or shorter periods in Amsterdam were asked by the guest curators Gerardo Mosquera (Cuba/Panama) and Rieke Vos to respond to this tension. The exhibition brings together historic and new work, in the Appel arts centre and outside it, in collaboration with partners like the Oude Kerk.

Final presentation by the four artists nominated for the Prix de Rome, and the announcement of the winner. The Prix de Rome is the oldest and most prestigious prize for artists and architects (under the age of 40) in The Netherlands. The aim of the Prix de Rome is to spot talent and call attention to trends in the visual arts and architecture, in an international context. After a selection procedure, four artists are invited to develop new work for the final presentation. This new work will be presented in an exhibition in de Appel arts centre and judged by an international jury. The 2013 Prix de Rome is being organized by the Mondriaan Fund, in cooperation with de Appel arts centre.