De Vrije Bladen van Dichtersbuurt

De Vrije Bladen

For some time now, we at SAMA have been working on the unique project "De Vrije Bladen" (The Free Sheets). This initiative pays tribute to the 12 poets whose street names are in the Dichtersbuurt neighborhood and weaves their legacy with the stories of the residents.

One of these poets is Jan Jacob Slauerhoff.

J. J. Slauerhoff

During his academic period, Slauerhoff wrote his first poems, making his debut as a poet in the communist magazine De Nieuwe Tijd. In 1921, he joined the editorial board of the literary magazine Het Getij and later of De Vrije Bladen, after which this project is named.

Although Slauerhoff was active during the Expressionist period, Garmt Stuiveling and GJ van Bork consider his poetry essentially Romantic: strongly autobiographical, characterized by restlessness, imagination, and a longing for faraway places, expressed through an identification with wanderers, explorers, and pirates. A significant portion of Slauerhoff's oeuvre focuses on the socially disadvantaged and oppressed.

The theme of De Vrije Bladen bridges the gap between Slauerhoff's ideals and the story of the Dichtersbuurt, a neighborhood undergoing rapid change. While renovations are renewing the streetscape, this project honors the identity and history of the neighborhood's residents, with their diverse backgrounds and unique stories.

Wall painting

As part of De Vrije Bladen, Colombian artist and friend of SAMA, Stinkfish, came to the Netherlands to create a striking mural in the Dichtersbuurt neighborhood . His work combines a portrait in his signature style with a poem by Slauerhoff. This colorful painting, chosen by residents through a vote, depicts a young girl who symbolizes a new beginning—a parallel to the transformation the Dichtersbuurt is undergoing.

Creation Story (2024)

The Workshops

We gathered input and inspiration for the exhibition, the newspaper, and the mural through a series of creative activities. We combined visual art with spoken word and explored the themes of connection, memory, loneliness, and dreams. SAMA collaborated with De Schrijverscentrale to ensure quality and build a bridge between professional artists and vulnerable local residents.

The Exhibition

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the exhibition moves to SAMA. Everyone is welcome to view the works during a pleasant brunch. The theme of this exhibition takes you on a journey of discovery through the colorful world of the neighborhood's residents. During the exhibition, visitors could admire the work of Claire van der Mee. The theme was "Collage." Various elements were brought together in three collages. The themes were "The Dichtersbuurt Remembers," "The Dichtersbuurt Lives," and "The Dichtersbuurt Grows." Words, photos, and materials were combined into a new composition. Anne kicked off the evening with a speech, and Stinkfish spray-painted a live panel where visitors could write a message to the Dichtersbuurt.

In addition, a QR code offered visitors the opportunity to read personal stories from local residents. The Stadsknietjes performed their poetry and songs, and visitors enjoyed delicious snacks and drinks.

Don't expect a standard exhibition, but an adventure full of poetry, portraits and an eclectic mix of art forms.

All lovingly curated by none other than Claire van der Mee: the wonderwoman of art curation. Claire, with her dazzling resume spanning art workshops, screen printing at Superette, and even gardening at KasKantine (yes, she does it all), has created an exhibition for us that not only breathes art but also truly connects with the local community. Whether it's a tarot reading at Plein 40-45 or a craft afternoon for the kids during the Maydan Festival, Claire knows better than anyone how to engage local residents in arts and culture without making it boring. Her love for Nieuw-West is evident in every workshop and exhibition she organizes—always with a smile and a generous helping of enthusiasm.

Neighborhood newspaper

To celebrate De Vrije Bladen, we've compiled a special newspaper that not only offers information but also an in-depth exploration of the rich history and culture of the Dichtersbuurt. This unique edition features residents' memories, stories from local artists, and iconic locations that define the neighborhood. Designed as a tribute to the neighborhood's past, the newspaper revisits the important events and influential figures that shaped the Dichtersbuurt. We've interviewed older residents who share their personal anecdotes, creating a vivid picture of what life was like in the past. These stories are not only nostalgic but also offer insight into the social changes the neighborhood has undergone over the years. We also highlight the iconic locations that define the Dichtersbuurt's identity. From historic buildings to charming streets and green parks, every element contributes to the neighborhood's character.

We've added stunning photos and illustrations that capture these locations in their full glory, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the visual history of the area. The newspaper not only offers a glimpse into the past but also looks ahead to the future of the Dichtersbuurt. We explore how the neighborhood is adapting to modern developments while retaining its unique charm and sense of community. Contributions from local businesses and initiatives committed to sustainability and social cohesion offer a hopeful perspective for generations to come. Overall, this special newspaper is a valuable document that captures the essence of the Dichtersbuurt. It's an invitation for both current residents and new visitors to discover and appreciate the stories and history of this unique neighborhood. By honoring the past, we hope to build a bridge to the future and keep the rich traditions of the Dichtersbuurt alive.

The exhibition will be on view until May 2025. We hope to welcome you then!