About the programme

The evening will consist of a roundtable discussion with the participating artists of our exhibition Radical Connection, and two of our student-curators, uniting them in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation about the intersectionality of art, museums, and the pressing environmental and humanitarian crises of our time. This event is a platform for us all to share our experiences and contribute to a vital and pressing debate within the arts community of our time. Indeed, this discussion, which will include a Q&A session with the audience, aims to explore how these crises intersect and influence both artistic practice and curatorial decisions. The talk will then be followed by an artistic workshop, an open bar and a DJ-set!

The workshop will be based on writer and artistic researcher Liza Prins’ ‘Exercises for Re-Enchantment’. As a group, we will focus on re-finding a sense of agency and hopefulness during our current crisis— connecting with others, non-human beings and the natural world. The collective works created during the workshop will be scanned into a collective zine and shared as part of ‘From Radical Disconnection to Radical Connection’.

Our exhibition remains censored in solidarity with the UvA Students and Staff for Palestine movement, and will remain veiled until the protesters demand are met. In our round table discussion, we will discuss not only the artistic and curatorial process which led to this decision, but also hope for collective action and connection between us all. We hope to see you there!

Timetable

• 18:30 Walk-in
• 19:00- 20:00 Roundtable Discussion followed by a Q&A
• 20:00- 22:00 ‘Exercises for Re-Enchantment’ Workshop, Open Bar and DJ set!
• 22:00 End of event

Contributors

Yufei Gao is a multidisciplinary designer and researcher based in Eindhoven. She conveys the narrative in mixed mediums, including writing, filmmaking, physical object, and more. Since graduating from Design Academy Eindhoven in 2023, her focus has been on the relationship between human, non-human, and technology. Her graduation project 'Gaia, how are you today?' is a series of 3D-printed ceramic pots parametrically designed with weather data, with storytelling for environmental awareness as the main incentive. Outside of the studio, she is obsessed with breakfast food and she likes her salad without dressing. She has forgotten what design is thus she is constantly on a quest to look for it.

Sascha Sylbing (she/they) is spoken word artist & performer, cultural programmer, asker of questions and seeker of affect(ion). In writing and performing, Sascha finds a way to (de)construct and (re)search the things that might seem incomprehensible, magical or deceptively simple. With rhythm, voice, tone, and allusions, Sascha questions your associations, absurdities, taboos, feelings and thoughts. Always guided by curiosity and vulnerability, often with a hint of activism and a touch of cheekiness.

blas.anna (she/they) brings multiple flavours together in their sets, ranging from high-energy club music to more introspective, lower frequencies. Having completed their MA in Cultural Musicology, they continue to be an active contributor in Amsterdam's music and nightlife communities. 

Radical Connection/Disconnection

Radical Connection is an exploration at the intersection of academia and environmental urgency. The student program team of VOX-POP 2023-2024 had curated this exhibition in collaboration with Klimaatmuseum, and it is our pleasure to present a collection of works that serve as conduits for a radical dialogue and change.

The diverse works by Lorena Rode, Bibi Bliekendaal, Yufei Gao and KIEM reflect the multidisciplinary nature of our approach to understanding and addressing climate change. Through this exhibition, we aim to catalyze thought-provoking discussions, inspire innovative solutions, and cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility towards our planet.

From Radical Disconnection to Radical Connection

The works of the exhibition Radical Connectoin have been withdrawn and transformed into a site-specific work of censorship, under the new name of Radical Disconnection, as a response to recent events on campus and the current crisis happening in Gaza. We have chosen to veil the works because we stand in solidarity with the students and staff of UvA for Palestine.

Our student program makers

Every year, a group of talented students join their forces together at VOX-POP. Through a talent development program, they gain experience as cultural program makers. They learn to curate and produce a program, from editing to production. Through the link below you will find an overview of the highlights of the student programmakers from past years.