Jan Mlcoch "Free Dormitory"

‘During preparations for the international art happening Works and Words (15-30 September 1979) we came in contact with the young Prague artist Jan Mlcoch during one of our study trips. We knew about his work through documentation. In early 1980, De Appel invited him to carry out a project. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the artist was not able to come; he sent directions for the execution of his project by mail that were not specifically related to De Appel. Gratis Slapen / Free Dormitory On the outside wall of the building was a sign with the text: Gratis Slapen / Free Dormitory 28 May - 10 June, 10 pm - 8 am. In the performance room were ten army beds with linen; beside each bed was a chair. At night the room was faintly illuminated. Visitors could freely leave and enter the building. This was the responsibility of a 'doorman'; he woke the sleepers up at 8 am. ‘Many people made use of the free dormitory. News spread, mainly by word of mouth. A number of people came for several consecutive nights and 'reserved' their bed. Only one visitor knew beforehand that it was an art project. For many this was their first acquaintance with this kind of contemporary art, in which the focus is on the experience of the participant. Most of the participants were young people, many of whom were foreigners who were in Amsterdam for the Festival of Fools. They were very grateful to the artist; a few sent letters to Jan Mlcoch.’ (Press release De Appel, June 1980.)