In 2019, several collectives joined forces to apply for the temporary use of the former Zentralwäscherei building. After the City of Zurich approved the project, Verein Zentralwäscherei moved into the premises in April 2019.

Since November 2021, the association has run Zentralwäscherei as a non-commercial cultural and community space. Our vision is to create a place that is as inclusive as possible: for encounters, art, culture, politics and food.

ASSOCIATION STRUCTURE Putting this vision into practice requires a structure that gives the long-term project stability while remaining open, accessible and flexible. Verein Zentralwäscherei forms the foundation of this structure. Key decisions are made collectively and through grassroots democratic processes. Membership is open to everyone who shares our principles.

WORKING GROUPS Working groups are a central part of the association. Members collaborate on specific areas, ranging from IT, decoration and fundraising to curation, the reflection of power and exclusionary structures, and the design of the outdoor space. They offer members a direct and accessible way to get involved.

OPERATIONS TEAM The operations team is responsible for the day-to-day running of Zentralwäscherei. It covers gastronomy, finance, programming, graphic design, communications, technical production, maintenance and HR/Care.

PARLIAMENT The Parliament meets every three months to discuss and decide on key questions and changes within the association. Every member can bring forward proposals and put them to a vote.

BOARD The Board is elected annually at the General Assembly. It organises the General Assemblies and represents the association in dealings with external parties and contractual partners.

TRANSPARENCY The work carried out within these structures is documented on a digital platform that is accessible to all members. We also aim to make our ways of working as transparent as possible to the public. Below, you can find further information about the association and its foundations.

ASSOCIATION STATUTES Download our association statutes here.

SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF ZURICH Download our service agreement here.

APPLICATION DOSSIER Read our original application for the Zentralwäscherei premises here.

CURATORIAL GUIDELINES Download our curatorial guidelines here.