The Vrij Glas Foundation encourages innovation, research and experiments. After organizing the Amsterdam GAS conference in 2002 - two years of preparation, culminating in one week of intense activity - Valkema, Carlgren and Van der Vorm wanted to consolidate their acquired experience in a permanent centre. Any painter, architect, designer, goldsmit or student who wants to work glass is welcome. A professional artistic basis is required however. During residency programms he or she can use the technical infrastructure and vital expertise from glassblowers. Anna Carlgren: ‘We hope to create a greater awareness of glass as a medium for visual artists. As a student at the Rietveld Academy I could easily move from glass to ceramics, painting, fashion or jewelry. There were no borders between the departments, creating stimulating cross-overs. Also during my stays in Paris and Sweden as consultant for Iaspis, I was greatly inspired by the international exchange of artists.’