Events

One-day journalism festival in honour of Barbara Ehrenreich. Ehrenreich is commended for her courage in putting herself on the line in her journalistic work. By leading the same life as people in precarious situations, she gives a voice to groups that would otherwise remain unheard. The festival illuminates Ehrenreich’s work and offers insight into current developments in investigative journalism.

Highlights: a masterclass for students of journalism headed by Barbara Ehrenreich and her British counterpart James Bloodworth; a panel on best practices in current investigative journalism and new forms of journalistic networks; an in-depth interview by Joris Luyendijk about the current state of journalism. On the basis of images of decisive moments in Ehrenreich’s life, Luyendijk will talk to her about her personal motives and journalistic choices.

In collaboration with De Balie. 

Click here for more information and tickets.

Barbara Ehrenreich considers positive thinking a delusion that needs to be exposed. Positive thinking, as she herself discovered when diagnosed with breast cancer, plays an important role in medical care. She tellingly describes this in her celebrated book Smile or Die. In her recent book Natural Causes, she describes the senseless resistance to growing old. The consequences of positive thinking feed into other aspects of society, such as climbing the social ladder or escaping from poverty that must be combated. Humour and a sense of perspective are her weapons in attacking the culture of positive thinking. Interviewer Raoul Heertje talks to her about optimism and realism. (Illustration: Joe Ciardiello.)

In collaboration with Spui25 and publisher Atlas Contact.

Free admission. Sign up here.

American journalist Barbara Ehrenreich visits the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, where students join in a discussion on her diagnosis of the current state of America. Topics that are likely to be discussed are the growing gap of rich and poor, the political crisis, the #MeToo movement, the myth of the American Dream and the concept of positive thinking. Does a humanistic world view still offer a solution?

After an introduction on Ehrenreich's work, by prof. Evelien Tonkens, Barbara Ehrenreich will be interviewed on stage at Utrecht University by prof. Trudie Knijn, before answering questions from students and audience.

In collaboration with the University of Humanistic Studies and Utrecht University

Free admission via www.uvh.nl/barbaraehrenreich

By invitation only.
www.erasmusprijs.org

Michael Ignatieff recently wrote ‘The Ordinary Virtues: Moral Order in a Divided World’. Together they will discuss issues such as the role of knowledge institutes in the debate on diversity. Ignatieff: “Diversity is a fact. It becomes a virtue if we really learn from one another, if we live together and share something.” Moderated by Lennart Booij.
In collaboration with the Rijkmuseum and WRR.
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/nu-in-het-museum/colleges-en-lezingen/publiekslezing-reflecting-on-diversity

Feyder researched the personal photography collection of the Ngilima family from South Africa. The photographs date from the 1950s and 1960s and offer a glimpse of everyday life and resilience under the apartheid regime in Benoni.
In collaboration with the Zuid-Afrikahuis
Admission free (incl. lunch)
Register via evenementen@zuidafrikahuis.nl
www.zuidafrikahuis.nl

A safe, prosperous and democratic country like the Netherlands also has many forms of social exclusion. What mechanisms create this and, more specifically, why is exclusion often so distressing? Does it mostly concern economic inequality or material uncertainty? Or is it more complex and do identity and recognition play a big role in how exclusion is experienced? Together with Michèle Lamont, social scientists and activists will debate these issues and discuss such themes as respect, stigmatization and activism. Among the speakers are Natasha Basu, Nadia Benaissa, Esther Captain, Maurice Crul, Jeroen Doomerik, Jan Willem Duyvendak, Margreet van Es, Philomena Essed, Nadia Fadil, Karwan Fatah-Black, Francio Guadeloupe, Halleh Ghorashi, Giselinde Kuipers, Paul Mepschen, Annelies Moors, Rogier van Reekum, Willem Schinkel and Elisabeth Silva.
In collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sociology
Admission free
Register via www.aissr.uva.nl/getting-respect-conference

Debate between Michèle Lamont and Philomena Essed about knowledge, power and diversity. Philomena Essed is Professor of Critical Race, Gender and Leadership Studies at Antioch University (US). Among her best-known works are ‘Understanding Everyday Racism’ and ‘Diversity: Gender, Color and Culture’. The debate is moderated by Jan-Willem Duyvendak, Professor of Sociology at the University of Amsterdam.
In collaboration with Spui25
Admission free, register via www.spui25.nl

Lamont speaks about her personal choices and academic dilemmas, about ethical conduct and scientific integrity.
Exclusively for participating students. External students can register before 15 November via j.meeuwissen@uu.nl.
In collaboration with Utrecht University
www.uu.nl

Various current themes will be addressed, among them diversity of disciplines, diversity of researchers, and diversity of quality indicators. The key question throughout is: who determines what is successful and valuable in scientific research? Among the speakers are: Barnita Bagchi, Naomi Ellemers, Henkjan Honing, Anthony Jack, Annemarie Mol, Sarah de Rijcke, Floor Rink, Ingrid Robeyns, Marten Scheffer, Appy Sluys and Iris van der Tuin.
In collaboration with Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Admission free
Registration via www.knaw.nl/diversity-in-science

Introduction by Rafael Wittek. In all Western societies, social status is determined by personal success in terms of level of education, career or money. This results in an imbalanced focus on competences and knowledge, and creates a competitive society of winners (some) and losers (many). However, some groups employ other assessment criteria such as morality, life experience and other qualities. How can these alternative values promote a broader perspective on social participation and social injustice? In collaboration with Studium Generale at the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen.
Admission free
Registration via www.sggroningen.nl/nl/node/984

The central question is the importance of social sciences in solving social problems.In collaboration with the University of Groningen and SCOOP.
http://www.rug.nl/gmw/sociology/calendar/masterclass-with-michele-lamont

‘I, Daniel Blake’. About a loner’s struggle with the bureaucracy of the social system in Britain and the recovery of dignity. The screening is followed by a conversation between Michèle Lamont and human rights lawyer Jelle Klaas.
Admission free.
Reservations via r.breman@moviesthatmatter.nl
www.moviesthatmatter.nl/events

‘Land of the Free’ documentary (Camilla Magid, 2017). This debut documentary sketches the lives of three generations in South Central Los Angeles, and describes a vicious circle of undermining social patterns. The film not only shows human vulnerability but also offers a glimpse of hope. The screening is followed by a conversation with Michèle Lamont. Interview by Eelco Bosch van Rosenthal.
In collaboration with International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Admission € 10.50
You can get your tickets here.
 

A conversation with A.S. Byatt on the library stage, in the new series ‘B-Unlimited: conversations with writers about literature and science’. With Morten Kringelbach, Professor of Neuroscience, Oxford University. Moderator Bas Heijne.
In collaboration with Writers Unlimited
Tickets € 10
www.b-unlimited.nl

Book launch of the Dutch translation of A.S. Byatt’s ‘Peacock and Vine’. Nelleke Noordervliet interviews A.S. Byatt on her lateste book.
In collaboration with the British Embassy, De Bezige Bij publishers, and Museum Meermanno
By invitation
www.debezigebij.nl

Describing and rewriting a life story can take many different forms apart from a novel or biography. This symposium showcases unusual and unexpected forms of life writing, such as performance art, biographical films and blogs. Speakers include Leni van Goidsenhoven, Louis van den Hengel, Sandra Kisters, Codruta Pohrib, Aagje Swinnen, Christophe Van Eecke, Lies Wesseling and Maaike Meijer.
Free admission, registration required via r.wennek@maastrichtuniversity.nl
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl

What role do life writing and biographies play in European literature and in the representation of European history? How do they contribute to the forging of a European identity? In the presence of A.S. Byatt, various international scholars consider this question: Ann Rigney, Utrecht University; Max Saunders, King’s College London; Léon Hanssen, Tilburg University; Gabriele Linke, Universität Rostock; Odile Heynders, Tilburg University; Anna Poletti, Utrecht University; and Elisabeth Bekers, University of Brussels.
In collaboration with Huizinga Instituut, Onderzoekschool Literatuurwetenschap, University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University
Free admission, registration required via huizinga-fgw@uva.nl
More information on www.huizingainstituut.nl and www.oslit.nl
 

An evening devoted to giving voice to stories of escape, the power of writing when you cannot talk, and describing personal experiences, fear and hope. With performances by debutants and experienced writers such as Babah Tarawally. Moderator Bahram Sadeghi.
In collaboration with Humanity in Action and De Balie
Tickets € 10 (students € 8.50)
www.debalie.nl

A conversation between A.S. Byatt and Edmund de Waal (ceramist and writer, known for his bestseller ‘The Hare with Amber Eyes’) about literature and visual art. How do these writers view the art around them? How do they experience life through art? Moderated by Lennart Booij. With an introduction by Ann Demeester, director Frans Hals Museum.
Tickets € 15 (students € 7.50)
In collaboration with Paradiso and Stichting Literaire Activiteiten Amsterdam
www.paradiso.nl

On 12 and 26 November Dr Christien Franken will hold a masterclass on the work of A.S. Byatt. She will draw on texts, archival documents and images. Participants are invited to actively join the discussion. Dutch spoken.
Cost € 75 (€ 40 for students)
You can register at masterclass@christienfranken.nl
For more information: www.christienfranken.nl

Registration via KNAW.

Tickets € 25,-.
Registration via Wikimedia.nl

Wikipedia receives the prize because it has promoted the dissemination of knowledge through a comprehensive and universally accessible encyclopaedia. To achieve that, the initiators of Wikipedia have designed a new and effective democratic platform. The prize specifically recognises Wikipedia as a community — a shared project that involves tens of thousands of volunteers around the world who help shape this initiative.

Invitation only.

Tickets €10 (students €5)
Doors open 10.30 hrs, start 11.00 hrs
www.paradiso.nl

Curators of Special Collections share their personal explanation of the most important encyclopaedias in history, a unique chance to have a close look at these beautifully illustrated works.

Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 November
Entrance free of charge.
Registration required.

The Uniqueness of Wikipedia as a Platform
Keynote speech by José van Dijck, president KNAW (Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences).

Wikipedia and the Quest for Universal Knowledge
On the historical, cultural and philosophical aspects of Wikipedia. With Charles van den Heuvel, Jos de Mul, Sabine Niederer and Erinç Salor. Moderated by Frank van Vree.

Wikipedia as a Memory Institution. The Limits of the Open Model
On the role of knowledge institutions, freedom of information, public media and copyright. With Victoria Anderica, Phoebe Ayers, Christophe Depreter, Dimitar Dimitrov, Andres Guadamuz, Lucie Guibault, Julia Reda and Heijo Ruijsenaars. Moderated by Paul Keller.

The Research Affordances of Wikipedia
On how Wikipedia itself can be a new source for academic research. With Fabian Flöck, Brent Hecht, Bernie Hogan, Ellen Rutten and Tommaso Venturini. Moderated by Richard Rogers.

Jointly organised by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, University of Amsterdam, European Cultural Foundation and Kennisland.
Entrance free of charge. Registration via KNAW.

The digital documentary channel NPO Doc broadcasts a series of documentaries about freedom of information on the internet. Different ethical problems are addressed during four consecutive Mondays in the documentaries Wiki’s Waarheid, Google en het wereldbrein, RiP - A Remix Manifesto en The Pirate Bay Away From Keyboard.
www.npodoc.nl

The show consists of a round table with thirty video screens for thirty spectators. Thirty stories in the form of filmed monologues that are connected to each other in unexpected ways. Concept: Bart Baele and Yves Degryse.

13 - 15 November
Tickets € 14 │ students € 9
www.brakkegrond.nl

Wednesday 12 November 2014, 16.00
Invitation only

"Ivanov", based on the play by Anton Chekhov, is an award-winning performance about contemporary Iran. It is part of the series 'Get Lost' – a selection of exceptional international theatre and dance performances, programmed by Frie Leysen. Following the premiere, the play will go on tour in the Netherlands.

Language: Farsi, with surtitles
Tickets from € 10 onwards
www.stadsschouwburgamsterdam.nl
www.getlost-theater.nl

Apart from Frie Leysen, also storyteller Ogutu Muraya (Kenia) and playwright Angella Emurwon (Uganda) will take part in the conversation. Moderated by Jair Stranders and Rosa Asbreuk.

Free admission │ followed by reception
Language: English
www.ahk.nl/half6

Keynote speech by director Peter Sellars (Erasmus Prize 1998). Interview and discussion with festival director Frie Leysen (Erasmus Prize 2014), conservatory director Paulo Zuben, Brazil, theatre director Seonghee Kim, South Korea, and theatre director Amir Reza Koohestani, Iran. Moderated by Neil Wallace.

€ 10 │ students € 5
Language: English
www.compagnietheater.nl

Free admission
5 November – 1 December
www.oba.nl

Directed by Lucas de Man, theatre director and city-artist of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
www.erasmusfestival.nl

Taking eight short video presentations as a starting point, Frie Leysen will engage in a conversation with Theatre Studies alumni who are now working abroad. Moderated by Kati Röttger. In collaboration with the Faculty of Theatre Studies, University of Amsterdam and De Theaterschool Amsterdam.

Free admission │ followed by reception
Language: English
www.50jaartheaterwetenschapamsterdam.nl
www.uva.nl/theaterwetenschap
 

Since 1988, the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation awards annual Research Prizes. Five prizes of € 3,000 each are awarded to young academic researchers in the humanities and social sciences, who have written a PhD dissertation of outstanding quality at a university in the Netherlands. This years’ winners are:

• Dr Peter A. Bos, To Survive and Protect. Testosterone and the Neuroendocrinology of Human Social Behavior. (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Utrecht)
• Dr Joris V.J. van Hoboken, Search Engine Freedom. On the Implications of the Right to Freedom of Expression for the Legal Governance of Web Search Engines. (Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam)
• Dr Ricky van Oers, Deserving Citizenship. Citizenship Tests in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. (Faculty of Law, Radboud University Nijmegen)
• Dr Marieke Schouwstra, Semantic Structures, Communicative Strategies and the Emergence of Language. (Faculty of Humanities, University of Utrecht)
• Dr Lars G. Tummers, Policy Alienation. Analyzing the Experiences of Public Professionals with New Policies. (Faculty of Social Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam)

All persons interested are welcome and are invited to register via the KNAW website.