Amsterdam
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Geen Surinamer in de Straat: Examining Amsterdam's Surinamese Housing Crisis History and Social Policy

An 'Andere Tijden' episode explores Amsterdam's housing discrimination and policies affecting Surinamese immigrants.

The 'Andere Tijden' episode 'Geen Surinamer in de straat' uncovers Amsterdam's severe housing shortage for Surinamese immigrants. It details the controversial 'one-per-door policy' by housing associations that limited resident influx and created segregated neighborhoods. This program explores the social and systemic challenges, providing crucial historical context from key figures and original documentary footage.

About Geen Surinamer in de straat at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Geen Surinamer in de straat at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This 'Andere Tijden' episode examines the severe housing shortage faced by Surinamese immigrants in Amsterdam, particularly the controversial 'one-per-door policy' implemented by housing associations to prevent unrest, which effectively closed off neighborhoods to new residents. It explores the social and systemic issues contributing to this crisis.

Curatorial context

The episode 'Geen Surinamer in de straat' (No Surinamer in the Street) from 'Andere Tijden' delves into the critical housing crisis that afflicted Surinamese immigrants in the Netherlands during the late 20th century. The program highlights the dire living conditions, with many individuals being forced into overcrowded and unsafe boarding houses in major Dutch cities like Amsterdam. It specifically focuses on the contentious "één-per-portiek-beleid" (one-per-door policy) adopted by Amsterdam's housing associations. This policy, aimed at preventing nuisance, effectively created segregated neighborhoods by limiting the influx of Surinamese residents and exacerbating the scarcity of adequate housing. The episode features insights from Ernestine Comvalius, a prominent activist from the LOSON action group who advocated for the rights of residents in these boarding houses. Filmmaker André Reeder's 1982 documentary 'Onderneming Onderdak' (Undertaking Lodging) is referenced for its portrayal of the abysmal living situations. Perspectives are also provided by Duco Stadig, former secretary of the federation of housing corporations, and Edo Jongejan, former deputy director of the Municipal Re-housing Service, offering historical context and explanations for the policies enacted.

Admission and ticket notes

This content appears to be a documentary episode from 'Andere Tijden' rather than a traditional museum exhibition. Information regarding tickets or admission is not applicable to this format. For access, viewers would typically consult broadcasting schedules or streaming platforms for the 'Andere Tijden' program.

Geen Surinamer in de straat key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Geen Surinamer in de straat at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Venue
The Black Archives
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Sep 18, 2025
Artist line / attribution
The episode features interviews with Henk Shakison, Hannah Belliot (Former employee Bureau Vestigingsbeleid Rijksgenoten), André Reeder (Filmmaker of 'Onderneming Onderdak'), Ernestine Comvalius (Activist from LOSON), Duco Stadig (Former Secretary Amsterdam Federation of Housing Corporations), and Edo Jongejan (Former Deputy Director Bureau Herhuisvesting). The episode is directed by Paul Ruigrok and researched by Hannah Dogger and Sem Hofstra.
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