Chad in Amsterdam

Chad Bilyeu (1975)

Writer, photographer, art director and historian Chad Bilyeu was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He first visited Amsterdam in March 2000 and returned to Amsterdam in subsequent years and found that it had a lot more to offer than just coffee shops. In 2009, Bilyeu moved to Amsterdam to do a master’s in American studies. So great was his love for the city that he still lives here fifteen years later.

Comics

In 2018, he began making his own comic-book series entitled Chad in Amsterdam. This self-published comic-book series was well received internationally, and in 2023 the complete series was issued in a single hardcover volume by local publisher Scratch Books.

He tells funny and authentic stories showing us a newcomer’s view of the city, in often almost clichéd events that hold up a mirror to its people. They are illustrated by talented artists who have lived in Amsterdam for varying lengths of time.

Listen to the artist

If you listen to the (free) audio tour, Chad Bilyeu will guide you through the exhibition and will give you an insight on the artwork and object you will see.

Tim Killiam Prize

The Tim Killiam Prize is an initiative of the Tim Killiam Foundation, which manages the legacy of architect, draughtsman and photographer Tim Killiam (1947–2014). The prize is awarded to makers who make an original or valuable contribution to the image of the city of Amsterdam. For the second edition of the prize, the Tim Killiam Prize jury selected Chad Bilyeu as the winner.