Open Monumentendag: A closer look

More than 700 monuments in the province of Zuid-Holland will open their doors to the public, highlighting the richness of Dutch cultural heritage. This year's theme, ‘Levend Erfgoed’ (Living Heritage), focuses on cultural customs, traditions, and artisan skills inherited from previous generations and passed on to the next.

The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the theme 'Living Heritage' is being celebrated. Intangible heritage consists of cultural traditions, crafts, and skills that are passed down from generation to generation. This heritage is seen as constantly evolving and changing with time and the individual who practices it. Often, the monuments reflect this intangible heritage through their (historical) function, but living heritage will be made extra visible during Open Monumentendag Rotterdam this year.

Examples of intangible heritage associated with Rotterdam include the Summer Carnival, the kapsalon (the dish), São João Baptista, the Military Tattoo, papermaking, and also Action Group The Old West. The question is openly posed to the public whether connections can be made between this living heritage and the Rotterdam monuments. Examples of national intangible heritages are sometimes more easily linked due to the strong bond they already have with material heritage, such as the miller's craft or traditional water living.

Monuments are to be filled with liveliness this year!

Highlights of the event in 2023

Some monuments and activities to be featured during the event include:

• De Citrusveiling: A remarkable building, a fine example of Rotterdam's post-war architecture.
• Verenigingsgebouw Roeivereniging Nautilus: Open for free visits at the Oude Plantage.
• Begraafplaats Crooswijk: Guided tours and free visits to the monument.
• Botanische Tuin Kralingen: Open for free visits.
• St Mary's Anglican Episcopalian Church: Open on Saturday, 9 September.
• Van Nelle Fabriek: Visitable only with a guided tour (paid ticket required).
• ss Rotterdam: Open on Sunday 10 September, with presentations available.

What to expect at Camera Japan in Rotterdam?

Camera Japan programme 2023

For those eager to plan their festival experience, check out the complete programme or download the official timetable as PDF. Be sure to check it out and plan your visit accordingly. For this and additional details or inspiration, visit the official CAMERA JAPAN website.

Location: LantarenVenster

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is set to host a unique event on Friday, 18 August, inspired by the embroidery exhibition “Geen woorden maar draden” (No Words but Threads).

Event highlights

The event, named “Angel Delight: Talking Threads”, has been curated by textile artist Yamuna Forzani. The evening will feature embroidery workshops, a panel discussion, a fashion show, and a celebration with vogue performers. Forzani's latest collection, which blends fashion, photography, performance, installation, and design, will be showcased.

The significance of embroidery

Embroidery, traditionally associated with gender-specific crafts like weaving, knitting, and sewing, was often overlooked as an art form. The exhibition “Geen woorden maar draden” highlights the anonymous artists who have crafted and continue to craft these intricate works. “Angel Delight: Talking Threads” celebrates these creators.

Fashion and identity

Forzani's work delves into themes of identity, body, and femininity. The internationally renowned Rotterdam-based Kiki House of Angels' dancers will present Forzani's latest collection amidst vibrant art installations of wall tapestries.

Following the show, attendees can enjoy music by DJs AMIR & Seven Angels and performances by vogue artists.

Workshops

Visitors interested in Forzani's work can join the Yamuna Forzani embroidery station and adorn their clothing with her distinctive laser-cut applique designs. Under artist Desirée Hammen's guidance, attendees can also explore freestyle embroidery to personalize their textiles. Hammen, an ArtEZ fashion design graduate who studied at the Ecole Lesage embroidery school in Paris, merges haute couture embroidery techniques with DIY skills in her work.

Panel discussion: embroidery as language

Embroidery has been a powerful medium for communities worldwide to convey political messages. This panel discussion will see artists Ada M. Patterson, Desirée Hammen, Yamuna Forzani, and Suela Robinson share the stories behind their creations, exploring the role of embroidery in their work and its influence by gender and cultural backgrounds.

About Yamuna Forzani

Identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Forzani describes her entire art practice as a love letter to her community. She gained recognition for organizing events like the annual Utopia Ball x Fashion Show, which merges catwalk shows with ballroom culture and performance.

Directions to the event

How to get there

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, where the event will take place, is easily accessible by public transport and is located in a vibrant part of the city.

In the heart of Rotterdam, a significant event is set to unfold. The European Para Championships 2023 is on the horizon, bringing together 1500 para athletes from 45 countries. This event, held at the renowned Rotterdam Ahoy, is a testament to the resilience, determination, and spirit of para-athletes.

The championships in detail

The European Para Championships, commonly referred to as EPC2023, is a multi-sport event that showcases the talents of athletes with various physical disabilities. The event is scheduled to take place from 8 to 20 August 2023, with a series of competitions lined up for the participants.

The main venue: Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy (Rotterdamse Ahoy) serves as the venue for the championships. This convention centre and arena, located in the heart of Rotterdam, is known for hosting a variety of events, from concerts to exhibitions. For EPC2023, it will transform into a sporting arena where para-athletes will compete and showcase their skills. A valid day ticket is required for access to Ahoy, which can be purchased for €7.50.

Athletes and sports

The championships will feature a range of sports, including Para Judo, Para Archery, Para Cycling, Para Taekwondo, Wheelchair Basketball and Boccia. Athletes from these disciplines have already arrived at Rotterdam Ahoy, ready to compete. The event will also feature other sports, with athletes from across Europe set to participate.

Of course, wheelchair tennis is one of those ten sports! The best European tennis players, including of course the 2023 winner Diede de Groot, will be participating. With preliminary rounds at TV Victoria in Kralingen and the finals on the unique 'city centre court' at Schouwburgplein (12 and 13 August), you can enjoy wheelchair tennis at the highest level.

Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is conveniently located and easily accessible by various modes of transport. The area surrounding the venue is vibrant, with a variety of amenities available for visitors.

   

Directions to Schouwburgplein

Schouwburgplein is located in the middle of the city centre. Literally, a stone's throw away from central station.