MidWest is a socially-driven community enterprise housed in a former school building on Cabralstraat 1 in Amsterdam West. Since opening in 2012, the space has grown into a vibrant meeting point for local makers, residents and social entrepreneurs. Rooms and workspaces are rented out at market rates, while social projects benefit from reduced fees and extra support.
The building houses a broad mix of functions: a café (in the old gymnasium), coworking spaces, creative studios, performance venues, a radio studio, community gardens, meeting rooms and even a recycling lab. This multi-use setup allows MidWest to foster connection, creativity and meaningful local impact.
At the heart of MidWest lies its social mission. People facing barriers to employment are offered learning pathways and coaching through internships in gardening, bar service, food preparation or media. The emphasis is on independence, growth and self-confidence.
The café is open to the public Wednesday to Friday (09:00 – 18:00), and often on Saturdays. It serves as a place for conversation, cultural events, flexible working and community meals — with the motto “everyone is welcome”.
From Sunday dinners and dialogue cafés to workshops and film nights, MidWest’s cultural programme is built together with local residents. Revenue from space rentals and café turnover is reinvested into talent development and community innovation. Profit is not the goal — impact is.
