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.

 

ROTTERDAM, 31 August 2023 – The city's maritime history and its role as a hub for international exchange will be highlighted as Rotterdam hosts the European Association for International Education Conference from 26 to 29 September 2023.

The EAIE Rotterdam 2023 event will span four days, packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and building partnerships. The conference will feature over 250 activities, including 17 networking events, interactive sessions, campfires, and plenary discussions. More than 500 speakers from institutions and organizations worldwide will share their insights. Additionally, over 200 organizations and institutions will exhibit at the event. The conference is expected to attract more than 6,000 professionals from over 90 countries, making it a global hub for those in the field of international higher education.

Who will be there?

The conference is expected to attract a diverse group of professionals involved in international higher education, including rectors, vice-rectors, directors of international offices, and government representatives. 

Conference theme: The significance of 'Connecting currents'

The theme for this year's conference, “Connecting currents,” resonates with Rotterdam's maritime history and its role as a gateway to Europe. The conference aims to explore the fast-moving and unpredictable currents in international education, from virtual learning to climate action.

Notable Speakers

Ligia Deca, the Minister of Education in Romania, and Pedro Nuno Texeira from the Government of Portugal, will engage in a minister's roundtable discussion titled “Politics and Policies of Internationalisation: Views from the Minister's Office.” The session will take place at Dock 10A, Level 2, on Thursday, 28 September from 14:00 to 15:00.

Jahkini Bisselink and Hajar Yagkoubi, former United Nations Youth Representatives and experts on Gen Z, will deliver a joint keynote. They will delve into the values that drive this generation's choices, from work to consumption. Their talk, “Gen Z: How We Choose, Why We Choose and Why Should You Care,” is scheduled for the Opening Plenary at the RTM Stage on Wednesday, 27 September at 11:00.

Glenn “Typhoon” de Randamie, a Dutch hip-hop musician and philosopher, will close the conference with a talk that explores his journey from an insecure stutterer to a successful word artist. His session will be at the Closing Plenary, RTM Stage, on Friday, 29 September at 12:00.

Key Sessions on Timely Topics

• Spotlight on the ChatGPT Effect: This panel discussion will explore the AI-driven transformation of education, focusing on ChatGPT's role in shaping 21st-century international education. The session will feature Sven Schütt, a thought leader in AI, and Emiel Romein, an IT professional. It's scheduled for Thursday, 28 September, 14:00–15:00, at Rotterdam B, Level 3.

• The EAIE Debate: This session will tackle the question of whether academics are the only drivers for internationalisation in higher education. The audience will have the chance to interact with the panelists and cast their vote. The session will be on Thursday, 28 September, 15:30–16:30, at Dock10B, Level 2.

• Aligning Internationalisation and Sustainability Strategies: This session will discuss how universities can integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their internationalisation strategies. It's set for Thursday, 28 September, 14:00–15:00, at Rotterdam C, Level 3.

EAIE Rotterdam 2023 schedule

Sustainability initiatives

Efforts are being made to minimise the environmental impact of the conference. Rotterdam Ahoy, the venue for the event, has implemented various sustainable practices, including the use of solar panels and an urban water buffer system.

Local collaborations

The conference is partnering with local universities for campus visits and is organising a Learning Journey around the city to focus on education.

How to get there

Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is located at Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The area is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities.