Boijmans acquires When the body says Yes

Boijmans acquires When the body says Yes

ROTTERDAM, 8 February 2025 – Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has acquired When the body says Yes, an installation by melanie bonajo. The work, previously featured in Snakken naar Boijmans, explores themes of body positivity, gender, and consent.

 

Boijmans acquires When the body says Yes

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has announced the acquisition of When the body says Yes, a video installation by artist melanie bonajo. The artwork was showcased in the summer of 2024 during Snakken naar Boijmans, a special event offering visitors an experience inside the temporarily closed museum building. Before its Rotterdam presentation, the piece represented the Netherlands at the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022.

 

An immersive exploration of body and identity

When the body says Yes consists of a 43-minute video surrounded by a colourful, organic scenography, created in collaboration with designer Théo Demans. The installation guides viewers through an exploration of the body, touching on themes such as sexuality, body positivity, gender, and consent. The film features a diverse group of individuals, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own perspectives on gender identity and societal norms.

 

Showcased at 'Snakken naar Boijmans'

During Snakken naar Boijmans, the installation attracted significant attention. It was displayed in the Bodon Hall, an area of the museum left empty during renovations. The work introduced an element of humanity into the vacant space, not only through its inclusive aesthetic, but also through the social themes it addressed. Audience reactions ranged from appreciation to surprise and even provocation, highlighting the continued relevance of the issues explored in bonajo’s work.

 

About Melanie Bonajo

Melanie Bonajo is an artist, filmmaker, and activist with a focus on themes related to intimacy, sexuality, and societal structures. Their practice spans video, photography, performance, and installation art, often examining contemporary life within capitalist systems. Bonajo is also involved in bodywork and somatic sex coaching, exploring new ways of connecting with the body. They are represented by AKINCI Gallery.

New names announced for MOMO Festival 2025

New names announced for MOMO Festival 2025

ROTTERDAM, 7 February 2025 – MOMO Festival 2025 has announced new additions to its lineup. The festival, taking place from 17 to 19 April, marks its 25th edition in Rotterdam.

 

More names revealed for MOMO Festival 2025

Motel Mozaïque has confirmed additional artists for this year’s MOMO Festival. Among the latest names added to the programme are [ K S R ], Nectar Woode, Parker Fans, Rosie Lowe, and ZEP. These acts will join previously announced performers, including Pongo, Squid, JGrrey, and Geordie Greep. The multidisciplinary festival will be held at well-known and unexpected locations across Rotterdam.

The newly announced lineup includes:
[ K S R ] // Anthology // deBasement // Gowtu Pretu // Hana Fatur // Jessy Yasmeen // Kaya // Keenan Mundane // Malak // ‘MANOS // MICH // Nectar Woode // Parker Fans // Rosie Lowe // Roufaida // Ruda Krua // Sam Vano // Sirocco // Vampire Boyfriend // ZEP

 

Artists in the spotlight

[ K S R ]

Hailing from Moss Side, Manchester, [ K S R ] is known for blending alternative R&B, future soul, hip-hop, and drum & bass. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists such as Children of Zeus, Pip Millett, and Mahalia.

Nectar Woode

London-based neo-soul artist Nectar Woode merges jazz improvisation with influences from Lauryn Hill and Cleo Sol. Her latest EP, Head Above Water, showcases smooth arrangements and expressive storytelling.

Rosie Lowe

Singer-songwriter and producer Rosie Lowe has collaborated with artists like Jay Electronica, Little Simz, and Jamie Woon. Her latest album, Lover, Other, incorporates choral influences, electronic music, and gospel elements.

ZEP

Multi-instrumentalist ZEP, known for his towering stage presence, creates music using unconventional instruments, including basketballs and zip fasteners. Initially a drummer and DJ, he now incorporates bass guitar, keyboards, and percussion into his performances.

Parker Fans

The Amsterdam-based trio Parker Fans specialises in ‘indie boogie’ and is known for their energetic performances. Armed with a drum machine, bass, and synths, they aim to get audiences dancing into the late hours. Their MOMO Festival performance is part of the free MOMO Playground programme.

 

25 years of Motel Mozaïque

Motel Mozaïque originated in 2001 when Rotterdam was designated as the European Capital of Culture. Over the years, the festival has been held in venues such as the legendary Nighttown, the old LantarenVenster on Gouvernestraat, a temporary church at Schouwburgplein, and the rooftop of the Hofbogen.

Throughout its history, MOMO Festival has hosted a diverse range of international artists, including Angus & Julia Stone, James Blake, Jungle, Kae Tempest, LCD Soundsystem, Mahalia, Mumford & Sons, Tamino, and Thundercat. Now in its 25th edition, the festival continues to offer a mix of innovative programming and unique locations, cementing its place in Rotterdam’s cultural calendar.

To mark the milestone anniversary, Motel Mozaïque has introduced a new visual identity, developed in collaboration with Rotterdam-based design studio 75B. The refreshed branding is now visible across MOMO Festival, MOMO Concerts, and MOMO Create.

First names for NN North Sea Jazz 2025 announced

First names for NN North Sea Jazz 2025 announced

 
ROTTERDAM, 29 January 2025 – The first artists for NN North Sea Jazz 2025 have been announced. The festival, taking place in Rotterdam Ahoy, will feature a mix of jazz legends and contemporary artists across three days in July.
 

First names announced for NN North Sea Jazz 2025

The initial lineup for the NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2025 has been revealed. The festival, scheduled for 11, 12, and 13 July at Rotterdam Ahoy, will welcome a diverse array of musicians, including Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Kamasi Washington, Joe Bonamassa & Metropole Orkest, and Branford Marsalis.

Jacob Collier has been named Artist in Residence for this edition. The British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger, known for his innovative compositions, will perform each day of the festival. Other confirmed acts include Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Jonathan Jeremiah, Lady Blackbird, Omah Lay, DeWolff, Jordan Rakei, Thee Sacred Souls, Samara Joy, Avishai Cohen, Immanuel Wilkins, Julian Lage, and Tigran Hamasyan.

 

Special jazz projects and debuts

As in previous editions, the festival will present several unique jazz projects. Vibraphonist Jason Marsalis will lead the Lionel Hampton Big Band, which features musicians who previously played alongside the late jazz legend. Additionally, jazz vocalist Kurt Elling will perform with the Yellowjackets in a tribute to Weather Report.

This year also marks the festival debut of sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. Other notable newcomers include poet and vocalist Aja Monet, Japanese keyboardist and singer Fujii Kaze, funk ensemble Ghost-Note, and Rotterdam-based R&B artist Naomi Sharon.

 

Current lineup

The complete list of announced performers includes:

Friday 11 July:

Avishai Cohen Quartet, Branford Marsalis Quartet, DeWolff, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Jordan Rakei, Judith Hill, Julian Lage, Madeleine Peyroux, Mary J. Blige, Omah Lay, Victor Ray

Saturday 12 July:

Aja Monet, Fujii Kaze, Ghost-Note, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Joe Bonamassa & Metropole Orkest, Jonathan Jeremiah, Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis, Mary Halvorson Amaryllis Sextet, Maxwell, Naomi Sharon, Samara Joy

Sunday 13 July:

Anoushka Shankar, Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, Jacob Collier (Artist in Residence), Jazzmeia Horn, Jorja Smith, Kamasi Washington, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets celebrate Weather Report, Lady Blackbird, Lakecia Benjamin, Thee Sacred Souls, Tigran Hamasyan

More names are expected to be announced at a later date.

 

Ticket sales

The festival, now in its 48th edition, will feature over 150 performances across 17 stages. In addition to concerts, the event will include artist interviews, signing sessions, showcases, and exhibitions.

Tickets for three-day passes were sold out within hours in November. Single-day tickets will be available from Saturday, 1 February, via the North Sea Jazz website and Ticketmaster.

 

Getting there

The NN North Sea Jazz Festival takes place at Rotterdam Ahoy, located in the city’s south. Ahoy is accessible via metro (station Zuidplein), several bus lines, and by bicycle. For those travelling by car, parking is available on-site, though public transport is recommended due to high attendance.

NN becomes main partner of Kunsthal Rotterdam

NN becomes main partner of Kunsthal Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 16 January 2025 – Nationale-Nederlanden (NN) has been announced as the new main partner of Kunsthal Rotterdam, solidifying their collaboration that began in 2016. This partnership aims to promote accessibility to art and culture while fostering societal well-being.

 

Image: Marianne Splint, director of Kunsthal Rotterdam (left), and Mariëlle Krouwel, Chief Marketing Officer of NN Group (right). Photo by Marco De Swart.

 

Nationale-Nederlanden becomes Kunsthal Rotterdam’s main partner

Kunsthal Rotterdam and Nationale-Nederlanden (NN) have announced the strengthening of their collaboration, making NN the primary partner for a two-year period starting in 2025. The partnership aligns with NN’s commitment to contributing positively to societal mental well-being and to increasing engagement with art and culture.

“Art inspires, tells stories, and creates connections,” said Mariëlle Krouwel, Chief Marketing Officer of NN Group. “With this partnership, we aim to make the Kunsthal’s programmes accessible to a wider audience, showcasing the power of art. We are delighted to expand our relationship with Kunsthal, one of the most accessible cultural institutions in the Netherlands.”

 

Focus on collaboration and inclusivity

Marianne Splint, Director of Kunsthal Rotterdam, expressed her enthusiasm for NN’s expanded role. “NN has been a committed supporter of Kunsthal for years, and we are thrilled they are now stepping in as our main partner,” she said. “In these times, it’s crucial to have partners who strengthen our mission of making a difference together. Through engaging programmes, Kunsthal ensures that everyone can experience art and culture, fostering connections between people and the arts.”

 

NN Art Award returns in 2025

As part of its partnership, NN will continue supporting the NN Art Award, an annual recognition of emerging artistic talent trained in the Netherlands. The award ceremony will take place on 28 March 2025 at Kunsthal Rotterdam, coinciding with the Art Rotterdam fair from 28–30 March at Rotterdam Ahoy. A related exhibition featuring works by the four nominees will be held at Kunsthal Rotterdam from 15 March to 11 May 2025. Authenticity and innovation will remain key criteria for this prize, further solidifying its place in the Dutch art scene.

 

About Kunsthal Rotterdam

Kunsthal Rotterdam is known for its dynamic and diverse programming. Without a permanent collection, the institution enjoys the freedom to host over 20 exhibitions annually, exploring a range of artistic disciplines and cultural crossovers. Its building, designed by Rem Koolhaas, serves as a cultural landmark in Rotterdam, attracting a wide and diverse audience.

 

About Nationale-Nederlanden

Part of NN Group, Nationale-Nederlanden has a long-standing history of cultural sponsorships, focusing on visual arts, museums, and music. The organisation actively supports initiatives that promote mental well-being through the arts, providing artists with platforms to inspire and connect communities.

 

Directions to Kunsthal Rotterdam

Kunsthal Rotterdam is centrally located in the Museumpark, near other cultural institutions such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Visitors can access it via tram lines or by walking from the nearby Rotterdam Centraal station. The surrounding area offers a mix of green spaces and modern architecture, making it an ideal destination for a day out.

Museum Rotterdam unveils newly found Van Voorden painting

Museum Rotterdam unveils newly found Van Voorden painting

ROTTERDAM, 15 January 2025 – A newly discovered painting by August Willem van Voorden has been added to Museum Rotterdam's collection, depicting early tourism in the city. The painting provides a unique view of the bustling Oosterkade and the emerging role of Fop Smit & Co in Rotterdam’s history.

 

Photo above: Rotterdam City Archives: Oosterkade viewed from the north, 1909. A Fop Smit ferry can be seen docked on the Nieuwe Maas River in the background. The far left and right edges of the image have been altered to fill an 1.91:1 aspect ratio.

 

Museum Rotterdam acquires newly discovered Van Voorden painting

Museum Rotterdam has announced the acquisition of a painting by August Willem van Voorden, a notable Rotterdam artist active in the early 20th century. Created around 1910, the oil-on-canvas work (80 x 65 cm) provides a vivid portrayal of life on Rotterdam’s Oosterkade, capturing a pivotal moment in the city’s history when tourism was beginning to take shape.

The painting illustrates a lively scene at the Oosterkade. In the foreground, three stylishly dressed women are seen, one engrossed in a red Baedeker travel guide—a popular choice for tourists of that era. A luxury red cabriolet with its chauffeur stands nearby, while activity along the quay is marked by a ship and its workers. A prominent feature in the painting is the building of Fop Smit & Co, a Rotterdam-based steamship company that operated ferry services and leisure trips from 1877 to 1949. The background includes the spires of the original Willemsbrug and the distant shoreline of Noordereiland, all under a cloudy sky.

 

Museum Rotterdam Collection: Three women at the Oosterkade in Rotterdam, near Fop Smit & Co, painted by August Willem van Voorden, circa 1910. Photo: Lotte Stekelenburg.Museum Rotterdam Collection: Three women at the Oosterkade in Rotterdam, near Fop Smit & Co, painted by August Willem van Voorden, circa 1910. Photo: Lotte Stekelenburg.

 

Historical significance

Fop Smit & Co, depicted prominently in the painting, played an essential role in the development of regional tourism. The company’s steamship tours symbolised the height of the steam era and form part of the Canon of Zuid-Holland. The painting offers a rare glimpse into this period, with the inclusion of tourists in the foreground making it especially noteworthy. Typically, figures in cityscapes from this era are depicted in the background.

 

August Willem van Voorden: the ‘Rotterdam Breitner’

Van Voorden, born in Rotterdam in 1881, is often referred to as the ‘Rotterdam Breitner’ due to his impressionistic depictions of the city’s streets and harbours. His work is characterised by its atmospheric tones and rich detail, often reflecting the earthy palette of 19th-century Hague School painters. However, this newly discovered work marks a departure from his usual style, with its vibrant colours and lighter tones, offering a more dynamic and modern impression of Rotterdam during this period.

Van Voorden passed away in 1921, leaving behind a relatively small oeuvre. His work remains celebrated for its historical insight into early 20th-century Rotterdam.

 

The discovery

This painting was unknown until recently, having not been featured in the 2006 Van Voorden exhibition at Het Schielandshuis or its accompanying publication. The discovery of this piece adds significant historical and artistic value to Museum Rotterdam’s growing collection of cityscapes.

 

Rotterdam City Archives: Postcard from 1910 showing the landing stage at the Oosterkade, viewed from the east.Rotterdam City Archives: Postcard from 1910 showing the landing stage at the Oosterkade, viewed from the east.

Rotterdam City Archives: Fop Smit & Co. Rotterdam. Winter service schedule for November-December 1908 and January-February 1909.Rotterdam City Archives: Fop Smit & Co. Rotterdam. Winter service schedule for November-December 1908 and January-February 1909.

 

Museum Rotterdam’s future plans

Currently, Museum Rotterdam operates its '40-'45 NU' location at Coolhaven, focusing on the city’s experiences during the Second World War. Alongside this, the museum continues to engage with the community through educational programmes, walking tours, and loaning items from its collection. Plans for a new city museum, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam, are underway. This initiative aims to create a permanent space for preserving and celebrating Rotterdam’s rich heritage.

 

 

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