De Doelen and SOCOCO join forces for social impact in the Artists' Foyer
De Doelen, the iconic concert and conference centre in the heart of Rotterdam, and SOCOCO, the socially sustainable coffee company, are starting a new collaboration that goes beyond good coffee and fresh meals. From April, SOCOCO will provide lunch and the crew dinner in the Artists' Foyer of de Doelen - the meeting place for employees, artists from the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and other partners in the building, such as OPEN Rotterdam.
This collaboration arose from shared ambitions: making a social impact, giving opportunities to unseen talent and creating meaningful learning places. With this approach, de Doelen and SOCOCO are giving substance to their Social Return on Investment (SROI) objectives in an innovative way. But it is more than that: it is an investment in people and in a city where everyone deserves a stage.
A shared vision of inclusivity and development
SOCOCO is known for its work-study programs for people with a distance to the labor market, where participants are given opportunities to develop skills and move on to work in various sectors.
In the Artists' Foyer of de Doelen, participants from SOCOCO's work-study programs get to work in the kitchen. They gain practical experience, learn valuable skills and work on their self-confidence in a safe, inspiring environment. The meals change weekly, are worldly in taste and prepared with fresh, local products.
This collaboration makes the social function of the building visible and tangible - also behind the scenes. Janneke Staarink, director of de Doelen: "With this collaboration, we are realizing our ambition to be a place where everyone can develop, be seen and contribute. That is what de Doelen stands for."
A powerful Rotterdam example
The collaboration underlines how culture and social entrepreneurship can strengthen each other. SOCOCO founder Perry van Gils: “This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to take our mission – empowering people – to a higher level and build a sustainable future. Within an iconic Rotterdam cultural institution.”
With this collaboration, de Doelen and SOCOCO are strengthening their position as driving forces behind a resilient and inclusive city with an Artists' Foyer where meeting, development and hospitality are central — for everyone.
