Collectief Koloniaal Nu & Toen consists of ten descendants who ultimately settled in Rotterdam as a result of the Dutch colonial past. They are looking for artists who can design a unique image for the public space of Rotterdam, with which they want to give a place to their shared history and future. With the artwork they want to honor their ancestors, pass on their strength and inventiveness to find freedom in captivity to younger generations. The work is not only intended for their supporters, but for everyone who can feel at home there. To discuss the consequences of Dutch colonialism, to commemorate and to celebrate their presence here. “We are ten descendants and come together to share our past, present and future with all Rotterdammers of today and tomorrow! We are Collective Colonial Now & Then.”
Read more here.
Registration and selection
Are you registering to get to know the collective through a pitch? Are you a professional artist, or do you work in a collaboration, and do you have at least 5 years of experience preferably with projects in public space? Then send your digital portfolio with 5 to a maximum of 10 projects and a motivation in the form of a letter (Word document), spoken message (MP3) or video fragment (MP4).
You can register until December 2 2024. Send your application to Jeanine, j.vanberkel@bkor.nlThe first selection will take place in December. On December 10 five artists will be invited for a pitch. This is scheduled for January 17, 2025. During this pitch you will meet the group and present your work. You will also learn more about the location, the assignment description and budget.
After this introductory round, three artists will receive a sketch assignment that will be presented in April 2025. A choice will then be made for one design that will be further developed. The intended planning is to festively unveil the artwork in 2026.
The collective about the artwork
“A work of art that proudly refers to the contributions of our communities, with our turbulent past, our rich culture, our optimism and our resilience, to the Netherlands of today. In the awareness of the painful history that is connected to the colonial past. The work of art encourages current and new generations to think about where we are now and to shape the future. We want that with everyone: even if you do not carry the baggage of colonial oppression and exclusion with you, and you still want to use your empathetic talent and take responsibility to move forward together.”
Meetings are organised around the artwork and it is possible to stay there with a small number of people or alone.
Read this article for more information about the Collective Colonial Now & Then.
Please note that the fee is fixed. When a collective registers, the fee is divided among the members.
No correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the selection of the artists.
This project is a collaboration between Collective Colonial Now & Then, BKOR and the municipality of Rotterdam.
BKOR, the Visual Arts & Public Space programme of CBK Rotterdam, manages the city collection of over 450 works of art in public spaces, including initiatives by Rotterdam residents who want to be reminded of important historical events and people through works of art in their city.