OOSTCAST is a walking exhibition and podcast project in Amsterdam's Oud-Oost district, exploring the colonial history behind street names. Informational panels and a podcast delve into the legacies of figures like Linnaeus, Vrolik, and Dapper, revealing overlooked stories connected to the colonial past and its impact on perceptions of Black people. The project encourages residents to engage with their shared history and its contemporary relevance.
The OOSTCAST project offers residents of and visitors to Amsterdam Oud-Oost an opportunity to explore the area's colonial past through a guided walking route and an accompanying podcast. Informational boards placed along the route highlight well-known street names such as Linnaeus, Vrolik, and Dapper, whose histories are deeply intertwined with the colonial era. These boards, along with QR codes linking to audio fragments, provide context about these historical figures, their contributions, and how their work shaped perceptions of Black individuals. The project aims to shed new light on these narratives and foster a deeper understanding of how history continues to resonate in the present day.
The initiative is a collaboration between BuroBraak, The Black Archives, Beyond Walls, and bureau Van Gisteren, commissioned by the Municipality of Amsterdam. The accompanying podcast, available on oostcast.nl and www.oostcast.nl, features experts discussing the historical figures and their lasting influence in relation to slavery and discrimination. The visual design for the information boards' front covers was created by artist Frederick Calmes. This outdoor exhibition and podcast series was visible until January 12, 2023, and aligns with The Black Archives' exhibition 'Zwartheid Onder Ogen Komen' (Facing Blackness). The walk commences in the Oosterpark and follows a route through various streets, concluding near The Black Archives' location.