Amsterdam
Open now

Conversations on Contested Street Names and Colonial Heritage in Amsterdam's Cultural Sector

Examine the unexamined colonial history behind public spaces and cultural institutions, focusing on figures like Vrolik and Dapper.

This event at The Black Archives in Amsterdam delves into the contested legacy of street names and colonial heritage. Explore discussions on historical figures like Vrolik, Camper, and Dapper, whose names mark city streets. Understand the hidden colonial past embedded in these public spaces and its broader implications for cultural narratives within the sector. Discover insights into decolonization efforts within institutions.

About Hoe Dapper was Vrolik? Hoe Vrolik was Dapper? - gesprekken over omstreden en koloniaal erfgoed op straat in in de cultuursector at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Hoe Dapper was Vrolik? Hoe Vrolik was Dapper? - gesprekken over omstreden en koloniaal erfgoed op straat in in de cultuursector at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This event explored contested street names and colonial heritage, particularly focusing on figures like Vrolik, Camper, Dapper, and Linneaus, whose names adorn Amsterdam streets. It delved into the hidden colonial history embedded in these names and the broader implications for the culture sector.

Curatorial context

The event 'Hoe Dapper was Vrolik? Hoe Vrolik was Dapper?' at The Black Archives focused on the often-unexamined colonial history behind Amsterdam street names like Linneausstraat, Vrolikstraat, and Camperstraat. It highlighted how these names are linked to historical figures whose work, particularly during the 'Enlightenment' period, significantly impacted the perception of Black people. The discussion aimed to raise awareness about this underrepresented colonial history and its ongoing relevance in public spaces and cultural institutions. The event featured two panel discussions: one on contested street names and colonial heritage in public spaces, with participants including designer Arjan Braaksma, artist Frederick Calmes, and researcher Isabelle Britto; and another on the legacy of colonial heritage in cultural institutions and museum decolonization, featuring Cissy Gressmann, Wendeline Flores, Inez Blanca, and Manuwi C. Tokai. Additionally, researchers Alexine Gabriela and Mitchell Esajas provided a special guided tour of the 'Zwartheid Onder Ogen Komen (Facing Blackness)' exhibition, focusing on the scientists and thinkers who contributed to colonial imagery of Black people.

Admission and ticket notes

Regular tickets are €10, with a reduced price of €6 for students and seniors (65+). A combined ticket for the event and guided tour costs €15 for regular admission and €10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be ordered via the website.

Hoe Dapper was Vrolik? Hoe Vrolik was Dapper? - gesprekken over omstreden en koloniaal erfgoed op straat in in de cultuursector key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Hoe Dapper was Vrolik? Hoe Vrolik was Dapper? - gesprekken over omstreden en koloniaal erfgoed op straat in in de cultuursector at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Venue
The Black Archives
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Oct 14, 2022
Artist line / attribution
Panelists included Arjan Braams (designer), Frederick Calmes (artist), Isabelle Britto (researcher The Black Archives), Cissy Gressmann (Bitterzoet Erfgoed, Groningen), Wendeline Flores (Tropenmuseum), Inez Blanca (Amsterdam Museum), and Manuwi C. Tokai (artist and activist). The special guided tour was led by researchers Alexine Gabriela and Mitchell Esajas. The host was Charissa Chotoe.
More from The Black Archives
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from The Black Archives in Amsterdam to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
Explore the 'Echoes of In*dependence' Exhibition in Amsterdam: Freedom and Colonial Legacies

Explore the 'Echoes of In*dependence' Exhibition in Amsterdam: Freedom and Colonial Legacies

Highlighting women and queer communities' fight for rights and recognition.

Discover 'Echoes of In*dependence,' a powerful exhibition in Amsterdam. This event commemorates slavery abolition, examining colonial legacies and their impact on gender and sexuality. Engage with panels and spoken word reflecting on contemporary struggles for human rights.

Exhibition Details
An open book with 'Diaspora History' and 'Voices, Narratives, Colonial Paths, Resistance, Homecoming' on its pages, surrounded by silhouettes, a ship, and a world map in a purple and gold watercolor style.

Between Pages Reading Series: Discuss Ama Ata Aidoo's Our Sister Killjoy Novel

Explore diaspora, identity, and post-colonial themes in African literature.

Engage with Ama Ata Aidoo's debut novel, 'Our Sister Killjoy,' through readings and a guided discussion. This event offers a unique perspective on cultural identity and the legacy of colonialism, as part of the 'Between Pages' literary series.

Between Pages Event
A purple watercolor illustration depicting a map of South Africa intertwined with Dutch architectural elements, a sailing ship, chains, and cultural motifs, symbolizing the historical connections between the Cape colony and Utrecht related to slavery and its legacy.
From Oct 7, 2023

CAPE x UTRECHT: Exploring Hidden Histories of Slavery and Its Afterlives

Uncovering the lasting impact of Indian Ocean slavery.

This exhibition investigates the profound links between the Cape colony and Utrecht, shedding light on the history of slavery. Discover the enduring legacies of Indian Ocean slavery and its largely forgotten impact in the Netherlands, presented through diverse archival materials and compelling artworks.

View Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of an artist-led tour at the 'Wortu D'e Abra: Where Her Story Speaks' exhibition, showing a speaker addressing a diverse audience in front of a projection screen with handwritten text.

Artist Tour: Wortu D'e Abra - Where Her Story Speaks Installation

Explore language, memory, and cultural independence with artists Zulile and Ruth-Rachel.

Join artists Zulile and Ruth-Rachel for a guided tour of their 'Wortu D'e Abra' installation. Explore Johanna Schouten-Elsenhout's work, examining independence as a continuous cultural process. The event includes Q&A and collective reflection.

Artist Tour Details
A watercolor illustration of a diverse group of people marching for global justice, holding signs for Palestine, Congo, and Sudan, with maps and a dove symbolizing peace.

Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free: Gathering on Congo, Palestine, and Sudan

Explore solidarity and collective action for global social justice.

This gathering addresses global injustices in Congo, Palestine, and Sudan, highlighting their colonial roots. It emphasizes the critical power of community, solidarity, and collective action as essential for creating a more just world.

View Gathering Details
Watercolor illustration of a cultural archive with bookshelves, artifacts, and visitors exploring the space, representing the exhibition 'Echoes of In*dependence: Untold Acts of Liberation, Extraction & Solidarity' at The Black Archives.
From Apr 1, 2026

Explore "Echoes of In*dependence": An Exhibition on Liberation & Solidarity in Amsterdam

Discover Black history, cultural heritage, and the Suriname Museum.

This insightful exhibition at The Black Archives in Amsterdam delves into themes of liberation and solidarity. Your visit includes access to the Suriname Museum, enhancing the exploration of art and heritage.

Exhibition Details
Amsterdam

Find Engaging Exhibitions in Amsterdam for a Rich Cultural Exploration

Explore Amsterdam's dynamic schedule of art and heritage exhibitions.

Navigate Amsterdam's exhibition landscape to discover captivating showcases across various themes and venues. Delve into temporary displays, special collections, and cultural events. Plan your visits to experiences that intrigue you.