International Women's Day: More Than a Muse

Left: Aynouk Tan. Photo: Marco Ter Beek.
Right: Raquel van Haver poses in front of her work ‘Definition of a System’ (2017). Photo: Richard Koek.  

Program (PDF)

Hard-fought rights and freedom of women and minorities are under attack once again. From migration to family planning, populist politicians are targeting crucial issues. It’s for an alternative voice. A woman’s voice. The voice of creative women. Because this is a perspective we rarely get to hear. And it is the diversity of the stories these women tell that can teach us to imagine and create a different world.

On International Women’s Day (8 March) numerous theaters, venues and museums in the Netherlands present work by creative women as part of the Meer dan Muze (More than a Muse) festival. Originally launched by Mama Cash, a special festival program has been compiled this year with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. In addition to showing work by creative women, we are also engaging in debate. What motivates women to create? Do they feel a responsibility to share otherwise neglected perspectives? And what role does gender play in this process? How do creative women tackle inequality with pen, paintbrush or microphone?

Special guest at this event is Nalini Malani. Work by the Indian artist features in a Stedelijk Museum exhibition opening on 18 March. A refugee as a child, Malani creates mysterious video installations that touch upon themes affecting her own life: migration, globalization, poverty and oppression of women. Also appearing is Aynouk Tan, Young Stedelijk-ambassador, journalist, teacher, advisor, and art and fashion director, and SKIP & DIE frontvrouw Cata.Pirata. The discussion is moderated by journalist and program-maker Hadassah de Boer.

Besides debate there is plenty of room for art! Keren Levi previews her amazing, much-discussed dance performance The Dry Piece, which reflects on the Western ideal of feminine beauty. Spoken word is represented by self-appointed drama queen Babs Gons, and DJ Carista of Red Light Radio fame fills the night with soulful sounds. Raquel van Haver, whose paintings reflect themes such as identity and ethnicity, will be painting live during the event.

This program is part of Meer dan Muze, a varied festival of art and culture marking International Women’s Day. The complete program is available at meerdanmuze.nl. Meer dan Muze is organized by Mama Cash, a fund which promotes activism for women’s rights.