Bijbels Museum in Amsterdam Unveils Engaging Activity Programme for 'Reply:Forward' Exhibition
The Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen), a cultural institution known for its exhibitions on biblical themes and heritage within Amsterdam’s historic canal houses, is presenting a dynamic activity programme in conjunction with its Reply:Forward exhibition. These special events, focusing on art, community, and the theme of hope, are hosted at NDSM FUSE. They offer visitors new ways to interact with the exhibition and its participating young artists.
Experience 'Taste of Hope' with Dinner and Art
One of the highlight events is "\# Taste of Hope," an intimate evening scheduled for August 28th. This event invites participants to share a meal, explore the Reply:Forward exhibition, and engage in conversations about hope. The exhibition showcases the work of 21 young creators envisioning a hopeful future amidst contemporary global challenges.
Guests will be welcomed with a drink and receive a guided tour from exhibition makers Caithlin, Mees, and Thierno, who will highlight their favorite artworks. Following the tour, a buffet curated by R&B Food Art & Culture will be served, fostering discussions led by programme makers from De Kwekerij. Conversations will revolve around individual and collective hope, and how to envision a positive future. Artist Guido van der Werve, known for his video work Nummer acht, everything is going to be alright, will contribute a special piano performance of Chopin's Nocturne Op. 48 Nr 1.
The evening runs from 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM at NDSM FUSE. Tickets are priced at €35.00, with a reduced rate of €25.00 available for Stadspas holders, seniors (65+), and students. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited capacity. Tickets for "Taste of Hope" on August 28, 2025, are available here.
Guided Tours by Curators: 'Join the Makers'
For those curious about the exhibition's creation and the stories behind the art, the Join the Makers: Cura Tours offer a unique opportunity. Curators Mees Elias van Zanten, Thierno Deme, and Caithlin Courtney Chong will lead these guided tours, providing insights into the content of the artworks and their personal reflections on hope.
These free tours typically last one hour and are offered on multiple dates:
- July 27, 2:00 PM (with Caithlin)
- August 3, 2:00 PM (with Mees)
- August 10, 2:00 PM (with Thierno)
- August 17, 2:00 PM (with Mees/Thierno/Caithlin) Secure your tour ticket here.
Artist Talk: 'Living with the Break'
On August 9th, an artist talk titled Living with the Break: Practices of Hope and Remembering will delve into themes of memory, migration, resistance, and ritual. This conversation brings together artists Pelumi Adejumo and Augustina Lavickaite, whose works explore how hope can be a continuous practice of holding on, letting go, and reshaping the future.
Pelumi Adejumo's work often navigates the complexities of migration and mourning, while Augustina Lavickaite’s Information Smuggling unearths a hidden history of resistance in Lithuania. Co-curator Thierno Deme will moderate the discussion, which begins with a short reading by Pelumi, followed by a conversation exploring how young artists interpret and shape hope today.
This free event takes place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at NDSM FUSE. Free tickets for the artist talk on August 9th are available.
Book Club: 'The Parable of the Sower'
On July 20th, the Reply:Forward programme includes a book club discussion focusing on Octavia E. Butler’s dystopian classic, The Parable of the Sower. This session provides a platform for art and book enthusiasts to connect and engage in a lively discussion about the novel’s themes of survival, social change, and hope.
Moderated by Sharily Ortela of Reading in Black, the event runs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at NDSM FUSE. Participants are encouraged to read the book beforehand to fully engage in the conversation. Entry is free, but space is limited to 20 people. Reserve your free ticket for the book club here.
These diverse activities offer unique ways to engage with the themes of the Reply:Forward exhibition and its creators. For more cultural discoveries and insights into local events, explore Musemap (musemap.art) or browse other museums in Amsterdam. You can also find more inspiring events to enrich your cultural experience.
