14/12: Decolonial Conversations
This public program is part of the opening week of CAPE X NL: whispers and shouts.
We hear the shouts of those who were punished and brutalized in the Castle and listen to the whispers that convey untold stories of people whose voices have been unheard for too long. This transnational, collaborative project of The Black Archives, Nancy Jouwe, and Elise Fernandez on behalf of the Camissa Museum, explores the legacy of Dutch slavery in the Cape, and presents unique archival material, historical narratives and artworks by Adrian van Wyk, Charles Palm, Bradley van Sitters, Farren van Wyk, Carine Zaayman and Neo Muyanga.
On December 2022, then Prime Minister Rutte of The Netherlands offered his apologies on behalf of the Dutch State. This was followed on July 1, 2023 by Dutch King Willem Alexander, who formally apologized and asked for forgiveness for the Dutch history of slavery, including the role of his ancestors. These historic apologies were an important recognition for the Dutch role in slavery. However, South Africa was not mentioned in either apology.
On October 2023, the Dutch King visited Cape Town but did not extend the apology to South-Africa. Several people protested during his visit. Some argued that it was an insult to visit the Slave Lodge without apologizing. Others argued that an apology is empty if it isn’t tied to reparations. What should the future of the Dutch slavery in South-Africa's past look like?
When? Saturday 14 December 2024
Time? 11AM – 5PM
Where? Castle of Good Hope, Chapel room
Entry? Free, sign up via the form!
We hear the shouts of those who were punished and brutalized in the Castle and listen to the whispers that convey untold stories of people whose voices have been unheard for too long. This transnational, collaborative project of The Black Archives, Nancy Jouwe, and Elise Fernandez on behalf of the Camissa Museum, explores the legacy of Dutch slavery in the Cape, and presents unique archival material, historical narratives and artworks by Adrian van Wyk, Charles Palm, Bradley van Sitters, Farren van Wyk, Carine Zaayman and Neo Muyanga.
On December 2022, then Prime Minister Rutte of The Netherlands offered his apologies on behalf of the Dutch State. This was followed on July 1, 2023 by Dutch King Willem Alexander, who formally apologized and asked for forgiveness for the Dutch history of slavery, including the role of his ancestors. These historic apologies were an important recognition for the Dutch role in slavery. However, South Africa was not mentioned in either apology.
On October 2023, the Dutch King visited Cape Town but did not extend the apology to South-Africa. Several people protested during his visit. Some argued that it was an insult to visit the Slave Lodge without apologizing. Others argued that an apology is empty if it isn’t tied to reparations. What should the future of the Dutch slavery in South-Africa's past look like?
When? Saturday 14 December 2024
Time? 11AM – 5PM
Where? Castle of Good Hope, Chapel room
Entry? Free, sign up via the form!
Program
10.30 AM Doors open
10.55 AM Words of welcome by moderator Wim Manuhutu
11.00 - 12.30 Part 1 - Shared History
Central question: What should we know about the Dutch history of slavery and colonialism in The Cape. And what are the implications of such a history?
Presentations by:
12.30 - 13.15 Lunch break
Intro by moderator Duane Jethro
13.15 - 14.30 Part 2: Shared Present
Central question: How do heritage institutions, artists and collectives deal with the legacy of the colonial and slavery past and how can they contribute to social justice?
Presentations by:
14.30 - 15.00 BREAK
15.00 - 16.00 Part 3: Art for the Future
Conversations on art, social change & imagining a shared future
Presentations by:
10.55 AM Words of welcome by moderator Wim Manuhutu
11.00 - 12.30 Part 1 - Shared History
Central question: What should we know about the Dutch history of slavery and colonialism in The Cape. And what are the implications of such a history?
Presentations by:
- Patriq Mellet (15 min)
- Carine Zaayman (15 min)
- Bradley van Sitters (15 min)
- Q&A with speakers and audience: (20 mins)
12.30 - 13.15 Lunch break
Intro by moderator Duane Jethro
13.15 - 14.30 Part 2: Shared Present
Central question: How do heritage institutions, artists and collectives deal with the legacy of the colonial and slavery past and how can they contribute to social justice?
Presentations by:
- The Black Archives by Mitchell Esajas (15 min)
- The Camper case: Nancy Jouwe & Carine Zaayman (15 min)
- Farren van Wyk (15 min)
- Q&A with speakers and audience: (20 mins)
14.30 - 15.00 BREAK
15.00 - 16.00 Part 3: Art for the Future
Conversations on art, social change & imagining a shared future
Presentations by:
- Adrian van Wyk & Charles Palm (15 min)
- Poetic interventions