Ruigoord fits into an ancient tradition of artist colonies where art and life are integrated into a common experiment. Ruigoord is an idealistic and idyllic resort where artists work on their own oeuvre. However, it is the focus on joint projects that give the character of this contemporary artists’ colony. In an independent manner, mutual engagement is given and the need for exchange, shared experiences, expression and ecstasy is met. A human imperative that manifests itself as the current time seems more egocentrically and materialist. The green oasis in which Ruigoord is located responds to the need of artists to retire for a shorter or longer period from the hassles of a urbanized and industrialized environment, as it always has been an existent reason for artist colonies.