Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 14.00 hours
Location: corner of Meester Arendstraat and Klaverstraat
On Saturday, September 19, the mural of the poem will be unveiled. Letting go and doing (2023), written by former mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb. The poem will appear on the facade on Meester Arendstraat in Carnisse, Aboutaleb's 'adopted neighborhood'. One day a week, he worked from his office on Amelandseplein and in the neighborhood. He personally dedicated himself to improving the quality of life and maintained close contact with residents, business owners, and neighborhood organizations, among others. In this way, he became a neighbor in Carnisse.
The initiative stems from a motion by the city council, which wanted to pay lasting tribute to Aboutaleb for his nearly sixteen years of dedication to Rotterdam, his connecting role, and his social legacy. In collaboration with City Marine Muzaffer Yuksekyildiz and the so-called city heaters Hans and Nadine, a fitting facade was found. The design was created by Rotterdam lettering artist Tom Vincentie, a specialist in artisanal hand-painted letters.
The unveiling of Aboutaleb's poem is being organized on Saturday, September 19, by Kunst & Vliegfabriek, a neighborhood club run by residents and local entrepreneurs. Everyone is warmly welcome at 2:00 PM at the corner of Meester Arendstraat and Klaverstraat so that we can celebrate this tribute together! Register via carnisse@rotterdam.nl.