Zwart Manifest Expo: Creative Expressions on the Path to Black Emancipation and Anti-Racism

The 'Zwart Manifest' exhibition showcased the creative expressions of artists and writers inspired by the Black Manifesto, a document offering concrete advice and demands for Black communities to combat racism and inequality. The exhibition ran until March 5, 2022, and culminated in a finissage event on March 4, 2022, featuring discussions with creators and change-makers.

Emerging from the #BlackLivesMatter protests in the Netherlands and the anti-Zwarte Piet movement, the 'Zwart Manifest' is a 'living document' presenting actionable advice and demands from Black communities to address racism and inequality across sectors like education, employment, and arts and culture. The accompanying exhibition, running until March 5, 2022, provided a creative platform for artists and writers to express the movement's aims. A 'finissage' event was held on March 4, 2022, at OSCAM, featuring panel discussions with artists, writers, curators, and cultural entrepreneurs. These discussions delved into the challenges and opportunities for Black artists and cultural institutions in the post-2020 landscape, envisioning a more equitable arts and culture sector. The exhibition itself featured creative works by artists like Chimira Obiefule, Rossel Chaslie, Jonathan Hoost, and Youandi Albertszoon, and writings from individuals such as Akú Anan, Bart Krieger, and Jillian Emanuels, reflecting diverse perspectives on Black experiences in the Netherlands and the wider 'Dutch Kingdom'. The spatial design was a collaboration by Setareh Noorani and Jelmer Teunissen, stemming from an open call organized by various Dutch organizations dedicated to systemic change through creative initiatives.

The finissage event on March 4, 2022, at OSCAM started at 6 PM, with the main program commencing at 7 PM and concluding at 9 PM, followed by drinks and music until 10 PM. The exhibition itself was accessible until March 5, 2022.