COVID-19 has forced De School to close its doors permanently. The Amsterdam club had been sidelined by restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus in March, causing a grim financial outlook that has forced owners to discontinue operations after a four-and-a-half-year run.
De School co-owner Jochem Doornbusch outlined the club’s “financial reality” in a statement obtained by Resident Advisor. “The bottom line is that the debts are piling up,” he wrote. “Not only because of the uncovered staff cost, but also the other ongoing costs. Acting now and making this very difficult decision may prevent the total bankruptcy of our company Post CS (11, TROUW).”
De School opened in the early days of 2016. In addition to operating as a club under a 24-hour license, the space also included a cafeteria, gym, bar, restaurant and terrace. Artists like Surgeon, Oscar Mulero and Aurora Halal have headlined events in the club.
COVID-19 notwithstanding, Doornbusch and company faced a difficult couple of months leading up to the closure. After they received criticism for the lack of diversity in their bookings and staff, queer collective X3 pulled out of a live stream event on which they had partnered with De School. The club’s security had also been accused of sexual harassment per Resident Advisor.
De School’s bar, restaurant and terrace will remain in operation after the club area’s closure.
