If I told you that there was a community in Groningen who run a none profit organisation which serves cheap food and drink, organises free concerts, houses exhibitions and shows movies in it's own cinema for almost half the price of a normal cinema ticket, would you be impressed? ORKZ is deffinately something to be impressed about. Whether you are impressed by the price of the drinks, the quality of the food, the range of films shown, the intimacy of the music venue or simply the dedication and frienliness of the people who work there, one visit is all you need to fall in love with the place.
Located at Emmastraat 15 in the south of the city the building is full of history. It was previously a hospital but became empty and was left to waste before a group of around one hundered people took over the building by night and claimed squatters rights in 1979. The building has been home to the ORKZ community ever since. Many of those who work and socialise at ORKZ also live there but visitors are made to feel more than welcome. Overall the atmosphere is well, 'gezellig' to put it the Dutch way. For those who aren't too well aquainted with the Dutch language, the word 'gezellig' has no direct English translation but is generally means something like enjoyale, pleasant, sociable, friendly, comfortable, cosy, and snug all rolled into one word. For me there is no better word to discribe ORKZ community.

If you want to find out more information about what's happening at ORKZ you can check out their website at www.orkz.net