On Thursday, January 25, the WeConnect Foundation and Pakhuis de Zwijger will host the networking event ‘Diaspora Dialogues; Bou di Watapana II’ in Amsterdam. This is a follow-up to the successful first edition held last October. The goal is to give a voice to creative professionals from the Caribbean diaspora; who are they, what do they create, and why? In what ways does their connection to the islands manifest in their work?
Demand
There is a growing demand for such gatherings, notes Tanja Fraai, manager of the educational foundation WeConnect. “We have been inundated with positive responses after the first dialogue session at Pakhuis. That was the inspiration for a sequel with focus on our own stories. We want to showcase Caribbean talent in The Netherlands. Talent that does feel connected to the islands and expresses it in the films, stories, and podcasts they create.”
Creative Professionals
An interesting panel will participate in the Dialogues. Filmmaker and director Shamira Raphaëla has won several international awards for her compelling documentaries. Hadie Davis and Jody Morgan co-host the podcast ‘Bite the bullet.’ Sjoerd Scott has earned his stripes as a stand-up comedian. Juny Martina is known for his socially engaged rap. The evening will be hosted by the experienced moderator and program maker Gilberto Morishaw.
Role of Art
The title of this dialogue is ‘Bou di Watapana!’ meaning ‘Under the Watapana!’ with the theme ‘Art, content, and our own stories.’ Programmer Kjelld Kroon from Pakhuis de Zwijger explains: “We, together with all attendees, will delve into the role of art in our community. We discuss how art empowers us, connects us, provides space for expression, and can also be a means for change. It will be a fun and informative evening. Of course, while enjoying some tasty pasa palu!”
Registration
The Diaspora Dialogues ‘Bou di Watapana!’ is free to attend. Anyone with an affinity for the theme is welcome and is explicitly invited to join the conversation. Registration is mandatory and can be done easily through the website. The program starts promptly at 8:00 PM, with reception and refreshments available from 7:30 PM. The location is Pakhuis de Zwijger (Piet Heinkade 179) in Amsterdam.
Note for the Editor (not for publication):
Contact Information
WeConnect can be reached via email: [email protected]
Pakhuis de Zwijger can be reached via email: [email protected]
Photo + flyer: (Source: Pakhuis de Zwijger).
