TAC is more than just a cultural breeding ground; it is a pioneer in blending art with urban development. Since 1999, TAC has been developing a model where real estate does not compete with culture but actively supports it. The aim of this innovative concept has always been to combine affordable studio spaces for artists across various disciplines with a cultural hub featuring hospitality, exhibitions, projects, and events, alongside general affordable housing. This creates a truly unique place in Eindhoven.
Since its founding, TAC has evolved into a unique ecosystem where studios, exhibition spaces, hospitality, and housing come together. This cross-pollination of disciplines and functions blurs the lines between artist, audience, and entrepreneur, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic arts scene. Through international collaborations and an enduring focus on artistic development, TAC continues to be not only a driving force in the Eindhoven art scene and far beyond but also a leading example of how art and real estate can reinforce one another.
1927
Philips submits a planning application for an office building.
1930–1992: Philips
1933–1934 Philips ULO school and training centre for office staff.
1930–1964 Dutch Sales Department.
1940–1945 Occupation by the German authorities.
From 1942 onwards Frits Philips establishes his office here.
1943–1964 Temporary Philips head office.
1964–1988 Housing and Land Company; Philips canteen.
From 1965 onwards Social services, personnel department, housing office, tax advisory office, sports affairs and recreational services.
1972–1992 Location of the staff shop.
From 1978 onwards Support Fund, aviation company / travel agency, reproduction department, and office of the Works Council.
1985 Demolition of a large section along Gagelstraat.
1992 The building becomes vacant.
1995 – 2003
Van Abbemuseum Van Abbe depot, de tijdelijke locatie van het van Abbemuseum tijdens de verbouwing van hun huidige pand.
1996 Peninsula foundation
1999
Like many great ideas, TAC was born at a pub bar in 1999. What started as a concept scribbled on a beer coaster soon became a fully developed project, evolving from a pioneering initiative into a key player in Eindhoven’s and the Netherlands’ cultural scene.
2003
Our original plans for TAC-living date back to 2003, a year before we moved into the TAC building we all know today. At the time, we called the project the Petri complex. The name Petri was inspired by the Petri dish, a breeding ground for bacteria, since the Petri complex was intended to be a breeding ground for art. The visions behind TAC-living and the Petri complex stayed the same: a combination of experimentation, exhibition, performance, and artists working and living together. As part of these original plans, the Ventoseflat was to be integrated into the complex, further expanding the space for artistic collaboration and community living.
2004
In 2004 TAC grew into a foundation, an organisation, and a physical space, but most importantly, a home for countless artists, designers, musicians, theatre-makers, and architects. It became a permanent base for emerging talents, who moved on as they grew, making way for new cultural innovators — hence Temporary Art Centre.
Start VAN TAC magazine
2005
This year, TAC, alongside the municipality, the Ventoseflat Association, and Woonbedrijf (formerly SWS), hoped to begin the redevelopment of the historic Ventoseflat.
The process was rather complex. Urban development projects like this take time, especially when aiming for something unique and unconventional.
This year also saw the launch of the Via Ventosa street festival.
2006
Plans for the Petri Complex were put on hold. TAC continued in its current form, providing young artists with space to develop their talents.
2017
The first plans for a renewed TAC are revived. Discussions with the municipality and various property developers resume in full.
2021
The renovation is about to begin, so it is time to relocate. TAC moves with most of its members to the former school building at Kronehoefstraat 30A. Another group relocates to Sectie-C.
2025
The first phase of TAC is completed. The exhibition spaces, the Ballroom and the Vault, are ready to host their first exhibitions. The first TAC members are able to move back, and the TAC team once again has an office in the renovated building.
Photographs from:
Philips Company Archives
Regional Historical Centre Eindhoven
Eindhoven in Beeld Foundation