Public Space in Focus
In a society increasingly aware of the importance of inclusion and representation, art in the streets is also an urgent topic. This was further illustrated by the recently reignited debate surrounding the statue of Anton de Kom on the square of the same name in Amsterdam Zuidoost—a neighborhood where the call for representation is answered in an exceptionally progressive manner. Can it be improved? At the very least, increased? And perhaps approached differently?
The idea that public space should reflect the diversity of the people who make up society has long been embraced and put into practice in Amsterdam Zuidoost. With artworks by Anton de Kom, Nelson Mandela, Steven Dorpel, and Hilly Axwijk, individuals are honored who resonate with Zuidoost and are significant to the whole of Amsterdam. With the upcoming ‘Ode to the Long Slide’—the vanished but still beloved artwork by Karin Daan—another high-profile sculpture will soon be added.
Dreamed Works
How is art in public spaces created? How did the aforementioned sculptures come to be in their locations? Who had a decisive voice in that process? How should we, as a society, handle the (still) changing insights regarding existing artworks, such as the Anton de Kom statue?
And what are the dreamed future artworks in a super-diverse city like Amsterdam?
All these questions and more will be addressed during the afternoon event Public Space in Focus, featuring short lectures and moderated discussions. We reflect on the past, but primarily look forward, around us, and at each other, as well as across city and national borders.
Moderator: Simone Zeefuik
Guest speakers: Raul Balai, Aspha Bijnaar, Mitchell Esajas, Narges Mohammadi, Annemarie de Wildt, Susanne Khalil Yusef and Annet Zondervan
Location: Imagine IC, Bijlmerplein 393
1102 DK Amsterdam Zuidoost
View the PowerPoint presentation here
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Reception
1:30 PM – 1:35 PM
Welcome
1:35 PM – 1:50 PM
International context – examples of good practices
with Annemarie de Wildt, Stadscuratorium Amsterdam
1:50 PM – 2:05 PM
Good practice in Amsterdam – on the realization of the sculpture ‘Women in West’
Artist Narges Mohammadi
2:05 PM – 2:30 PM
Outdoor sculptures in Zuidoost: on commissioning and representation
CBK Zuidoost director Annet Zondervan
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM BREAK
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
Case study Anton de Kom – what is / where lies the future for this statue?
with Mitchell Esajas, co-founder of The Black Archives and Aspha Bijnaar, director of the Musea Bekennen Kleur foundation
3:10 PM – 3:40 PM
Simone Zeefuik in conversation with panelists and the audience
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Dreamed artworks for Amsterdam
with artists Raul Balai and Susanne Khalil Yusef
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Tips for the city
Plenary discussion led by Simone Zeefuik with the audience on how public space can become inclusive for everyone
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Drinks