Unveiling public artwork 'If you know, you know…'

On Saturday 12 October, we will celebrate together the communities of Amsterdam Nieuw-West through the unveiling of a new artwork on the facade of the Podium housing complex, located at Schipluidenlaan and Willem Frogerstraat. This artwork is a collaboration between the Teenage Curators of art centre de Appel, artist Narges Mohammadi, and spoken word artist Zeinab El Bouni. We have been working collectively for over a year on this monument which preserves and celebrates the community of the new West.

The artwork is composed of two distinct yet interconnected pieces. The first, If you know, you know... by Narges Mohammadi, features a hand-drawn carpet that has been transformed into an aluminium facade artwork. Just as stories and secrets have been woven into carpets in various cultures and passed down as gifts or keepsakes, this tapestry captures personal memories from different moments in the lives of young people during their high school years and while growing up in Nieuw-West. The work contains symbols that are recognizable to many, but whose intersocial meanings can only be understood by those who truly know the neighbourhood. The second part is the poem 5713 by Zeinab El Bouni, which captures the memories and experiences of young people. Through fragments of stories and anecdotes, the poem serves as an ode to the neighbourhood, celebrating its history and the vibrant lives within it. Together, these works highlight personal and collective memory, blending cultural heritage with lived experience.

The Teenage Curators programme was launched in 2022 as a way to engage young people (15-19 years old) who often do not see themselves and their interests reflected in the art and culture presented in formal art spaces and institutions. de Appel guides this group of young people in creating their own programmes and exhibitions. For this edition (2023-2024), the Teenage Curators studied art in public spaces in different cities and researched the history and contemporary context of Amsterdam Nieuw West. This included a studio visit with Farida Sedoc, where they discussed the intersection of community and activism in art. Additionally, they participated in a storytelling workshop led by Tirzah Shalome Baanks, a poetry workshop by Zeinab El Bouni, and received an architectural tour from local resident and architect David Meijer.

In collaboration with Levs Architects, the Teenage Curators explored how art and design can enhance community engagement. The design and decision-making process for the artwork was highly collaborative, with brainstorming sessions where the curators shared their ideas and aspirations with Narges Mohammadi and Zeinab El Bouni. These ideas were further refined through discussions with both artists and architects to ensure that the final projects reflected the curators' artistic vision while addressing the needs of both the group and the wider community. The curators were also involved in the technical translation and installation of the artwork with fabricator VPT Versteeg and De Nijs.

Come along and celebrate this special moment with us!
The Teenage Curators have channelled their creativity into organizing the event. They will serve as hosts, encouraging visitors to engage in conversations and share their experiences. You are welcome from 2pm onwards. At 3pm the program startswith a welcome speech by de Appel Teenage Curators, followed by spoken-word performances and stories by Zeinab El Bouni and Lin An Phoa, as well as a DJ set from Fatima Ferari and a jam session with local musicians. Throughout the programme, you can join a Henna Tattoo workshop and play the board game Tavla. Neighbourhood chefs, the Kolenkitkoks, will be providing delicious local snacks.

Ongewone Ontmoetingen
The unveiling on 12 October is part of Ongewone Ontmoetingen, a series of gatherings aimed at bringing together people who might otherwise never meet. The theme of this edition is 'Hope and Connectedness'. The event is also part of 24 Uur Nieuw-West, a dynamic programme full of activities in the neighbourhood.

About the Teenage Curators
The Teenage Curators are: Oumaima, Haifae, Hajar, Yahya, Ibrahim, Duahan, Safae, Irem, Ayman, Menna, Beyda, Ferat. Over the past seven years, de Appel's education programme has collaborated with various communities in New West. From a close collaboration with Comenius Lyceum and Calandlyceum, the Teenage Curators programme was born. The artwork was developed in collaboration with LEVS Architects, De Nijs and VPT Versteeg. The Teen Curators programme is supervised by de Appel team with Fouad Lakbir.

This project is kindly supported by Mondriaan Fonds, Fonds 21, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, Stichting Zabawas, Gemeente Amsterdam, Stadsdeel Nieuw-West, LEV architecten en De Nijs.

Saturday 12 October from 2pm to 6pm, Willem Frogerstraat 137:
2pm - Walk-in
2.30pm - Start workshops, Henna tattoo and board games
3pm - Welcome speech by de Appel Teenage Curators
3.30 - 6pm - Spoken word by Zeinab El Bouni, Lin An Phoa. Music by DJ Fatima Ferari and local musicians. Food provided by Kolenkitkoks.

PDF: Booklet if you know, you know...