In this episode, we explore The Art of Collective Ownership with Ivo Schmetz — designer, musician, activist, and long-time steward of Amsterdam’s free spaces. After graduating from art school in Maastricht, Ivo “accidentally” stepped into the squatting movement and helped occupy both the OLVG hospital (1998–1999) and the iconic OT301 (1999–present). These experimental spaces shaped his life’s work: not just as a hybrid designer and videomaker, but as a builder of collective projects that challenge ownership, power, and separation. As a board member and programmer at OT301 and one of the driving forces behind Amsterdam Alternative, Ivo has spent the last decade publishing a bi-monthly free newspaper, hosting public debates and cultural events, developing Vrij Beton to realize new collectively owned spaces, and creating a multimedia web documentary on collective ownership. In this conversation, he reflects on 25 years of living, creating, and organising in community — and what these free spaces can teach us about interdependence, autonomy, and the future of the commons.00:00 Introduction to Collective Ownership02:26 Welcome to the Podcast03:07 The Squatting Experience Begins03:24 Life in the Squat04:39 Organizational Challenges and Growth08:31 The Move to OT 30109:23 Navigating Legal and Social Changes09:59 The Role of Artists in Gentrification13:05 Establishing a New Collective14:34 Organizational Methods and Decision Making18:55 Balancing Individual and Collective Needs27:10 Evolving Organizational Structures34:27 Amsterdam Alternative and Future Vision44:04 Personal Engagement and Motivation45:12 Exploring Organizational Culture47:06 Challenges and Decision-Making Methods47:48 Radical Innovations in Organizing51:31 Collective Ownership and Neutralizing Ownership54:28 Interconnectedness and Organizational Structures01:01:22 Role of Assimilation and Gentrification01:06:07 Ownership and Collective Wisdom01:09:15 Inspiration and Small Initiatives01:28:45 Final Thoughts and Future Collaborationwww.ivoschmetz.nlwww.amsterdamalternative.nlwww.collectiveownership.net🌿Connect with us on socials! InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInBlueskyTikTok

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