Brian Elstak

The Zaan region is rich in cultural creators. Through the series of tastemakers in the spotlight, we share their stories. What drives these makers? And which places in Zaanstad have been important in their development?

We kick off with Brian Elstak (1980, Zaandam). Brian is a visual artist, illustrator, children's book author, teacher at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, part of art collective LFMC and also a connector of various creative minds. His work includes graphic novels, paintings, illustrations, video clips, album covers, murals and installations. An exceptional creator, with his roots in the hip-hop scene and a huge network.

In recent years, Brian has worked on several award-winning children's books, including 'TORI' and 'Lennox and the Golden Crescent'. These books both received silver brushes for visual and illustrative work. His children (also Zaankanters) were the inspiration for the characters in his trilogy (TORI, TROBI and LOBI). This makes the books extra personal and ensures recognition among many other children from Zaanstad and beyond.

Alderman for Culture Wessel Breunesse is curious about Brian's take on Zaanish culture. They meet on Dam Square and while walking, past the places that add value to Brian, they have a conversation.

Good old days

''What is now a hotel above the Mail Company used to be the Flamingo. A small arcade hall full of video game machines. This is where we all used to get together. Music was played and there were a lot of 'good vibes', Brian says. ''There was a lot going on for us at that time (the 90s and early 00s). My group of friends was a culturally diverse clique of Zaanish youngsters. With shared interests and passions including basketball, hip-hop music, movies, comics, cartoons, going out, etc. We could hang out together all night and then get a shoarma sandwich at Derman's as a finale. But now, looking around me, it seems like there are few places for the youth to go out in Zaanstad."

Wessel confesses: ''I have lived in the Zaan region for 10 years myself and hear people around me talking passionately about the meeting places of the past. You also talk about them with much love now. I didn't know those places myself. Apparently there was so much to do then and there were nice places to go. Very sad to hear that it has all disappeared.''

''I feel especially sad that The Quay is no longer there,'' Brian continued as they stood on the spot where the pop venue used to be. ''This was a place you had to have been. Where we could also be found frequently. It was a music venue where the best acts in the country came to perform and where you could dance until you dropped. De Kade was not only a hotspot in the region, but it was also known nationwide among artists. Acts whose tours took them to places like Patronaat (Haarlem), Paradiso/de Melkweg (Amsterdam), Tivoli (Utrecht) or Simplon (Groningen) also liked to come to Zaantje to ram the stage of De Kade.''

The importance of pop venues

"I grew up in Zaanstad and had many wonderful experiences there. Among other things, it shaped me into the person and artist I am today. Looking back, this is mainly because of the collective togetherness with mates and like-minded people here. Unfortunately, much of what was there then has completely disappeared. That is a pity for the young generation of Zaankanters who now have to miss those same opportunities. Although I myself fall completely outside that target group, I think it is important to advocate the importance of a rich nightlife for young people. I also want this for my own children, so that they have the opportunity to grow with fellow city dwellers and develop in an environment where creativity and art are nurtured. My own artistry has been partly shaped by the experiences and ingredients I have gained in Zaanstad. The disappearance of, for example, De Kade, where we used to be able to go and see Extince and rap formation Opgezwolle, is a great loss. Pop venues are so important, not only for young people, but for the whole community," Brian says visibly disappointed.

Fortunately, Wessel has an uplifting answer to that: ''That sounds like music to my ears: another pop stage in the city. And not just any old one, but one that brings the legendary stories of De Kade back to life. Because I agree, that function is a bit lacking in Zaanstad at the moment. It's just not really safe to send children to a remote industrial estate at night for a night out. We need to change that and fortunately we are working hard to do so. We want to bring the pop stage back to a central location in the city so that it is accessible to everyone and we can enjoy the latest music acts and live performances. And let's face it, it's not just fun for the younger generation. We, the adults, can also use a night out. We therefore also made a bus tour of different cities at the beginning of the year to see how they handle pop venues there. That way, we listened to experiences and gained inspiration to see what suits Zaanstad. In doing so, we take the residents' needs into account. This does not mean that there will already be a pop stage next week, but just know that we are working on it.''

Brian jokes: ''Just speed it up then, because time goes very fast and before you know it, your term will be over Wessel.''

Enrich by connecting

Wessel is curious about Brian's background and how he was able to connect so many creatives. ''I was born and raised here. One of my first side jobs was at Minerva cinema, 't Saentje. In terms of school, I was at Havo (St Michael College). It is a full circle moment to see that one of my children is now at the same school and there are still teachers there from my time,'' Brian says. ''As a child, I was always active and sporty. But I was also a real cartoon and comic book fanatic. Among my friends, I was actually the only one who didn't rap or produce beats. So while the other Saen-Boogie Boys were busy making music (The Coalition), I signed the flyers for their gigs. That's how I slowly rolled into the cultural field and eventually found my way to the theatre (Made in da Shade / MC Theater) in Amsterdam, where I started working. ''

Wessel asks: "How can we increase the Zaanish creative community?" Brian: ''Not everyone realises how many talented people come from here, are still walking around and often just live in the region. People like Chanelva Rier (channel manager at FunX), Edward van Gils (internationally known street footballer), Jonna Fraser (rapper/musician), Mounir Raji (internationally known photographer), Tabitha (singer songwriter), Boy "Presto" Eshuijs (beatmaker/producer), Reinier Fosch (rapper/ city poet of Zaanstad), Ella John (rapper/musician), Kwame Kwanzaa (illustrator) etc. So many legends. This is just a small group that comes to mind right now. Sometimes we all live a bit in our own little circle. It can happen that we focus only on our own interests, friends and acquaintances, and don't always see 'the bigger picture'. Too many opportunities are left behind. Too many collaborations that never materialised. We need more bridge-builders, connecting talented creators. Artists in residence. Exhibitions, events, performances, albums, books, magazines, podcasts, etc. I miss that here, but can manage it plenty outside Zaanstad. I think that's a shame, because it should happen here too. A lot of great things always come of it.''

''As a municipality, we have a special strength: we know an awful lot of people and are always meeting new people,'' Wessel replies. ''And that is exactly what we want to use to make connections between people in Zaanstad. But it is also important for our own residents to take matters into their own hands and act together. We have seen some changes recently, with people leaving and new people coming from Amsterdam, for example, finding their place here. But sometimes it is still a bit of a search for the right click between people and networks. That's why, as a municipality, we would like to get involved in building bridges between entrepreneurs, artists and, for example, het Zaantheater. Who knows what interesting projects could come out of this. And above all, let's not forget that there is also a lot going on in the Hellema. That is another whole new network that still needs to be discovered and has a lot of potential.''

Platform for potential

''Zaanstad knows so many people. There is so much potential, only there is not really a platform. This initiative, this conversation is already a step," Brian adds. "I think we need to keep feeding young people with culture and art. There should be places in the city where they can meet and inspire each other. Who knows what they will become later I myself am a product of that!''

Want to know more about Brian Elstak or buy his work?

Check out his website: https://www.brianelstak.com/

You can also borrow Brian's books from the Library.

For more information, visit https://debieb.nl/