Bijbels Museum Amsterdam Invites Community to Nominate 'Wise 80-Plussers' for Upcoming Exhibition
The Bijbels Museum, a notable cultural institution in Amsterdam, has launched a public call for nominations for its upcoming photographic exhibition, "Wijsheid als levenskunst" (Wisdom as a Way of Life, working title). The museum is seeking individuals aged 80 or older who embody wisdom and have compelling life stories to share. This initiative aims to foster a positive and diverse image of aging through intimate portraits and narratives.
The project will feature photographic works by Ilvy Njiokiktjien, a recipient of the prestigious Zilveren Camera award. The exhibition will delve into the lives of selected participants, exploring significant life events, approaches to change and adversity, and the lessons learned over more than eight decades of living. The Bijbels Museum is particularly interested in a diverse group, reflecting various cultural, religious, and social backgrounds.
How to Participate in This Unique Amsterdam Project
The Bijbels Museum is actively encouraging community involvement in this project. If you know a wise individual aged 80 or above who would be interested in participating, you can nominate them. The nomination process involves providing details about the nominee and a short explanation of why you consider them wise.
To nominate someone, you can either complete an online form or send an email. Essential information requested includes the nominee's full name, birth year, your relationship to them, a brief description (around 250 words) of their wisdom, and a short motivation (around 100 words) for your nomination. Your contact details are also required.
Nominations can be submitted via the dedicated online form provided by the museum: nominate a wise 80-plusser. Alternatively, you can send an email with the required information to [email protected].
The Vision Behind 'Wisdom as a Way of Life'
From all nominations, the Bijbels Museum will conduct interviews, eventually selecting sixteen individuals to be photographed by Ilvy Njiokiktjien. These portraits, accompanied by their personal stories, will form the core of the exhibition. The goal is to provide a nuanced and uplifting perspective on the experience of growing old.
The "Wijsheid als levenskunst" exhibition is slated to begin its tour in 2026. It will first be showcased in Amsterdam at OBA Oosterdok from February to June 2026. Following its run in the capital, the exhibition will travel to Fotogalerie De Gang in Haarlem (June-September 2026) and the Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee (December 2026 – Spring 2027). All featured individuals, their families, and nominators will receive invitations to the exhibition openings and related events.
The Bijbels Museum operates as a "nomadic" institution, curating art exhibitions that explore themes of meaning and spirituality relevant to contemporary society, appealing to both believers and non-believers. These exhibitions often draw upon diverse religious and philosophical thought, incorporating contemporary art alongside historical heritage, and are frequently presented in collaboration with other museums and cultural venues across the Netherlands.
For those interested in exploring more about the rich cultural landscape of the city, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a platform to browse museums and discover other cultural experiences in Amsterdam and beyond.
