Dutch-German Cultural Friendship & Freedom Breakfast

On Dutch Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag), the neighbouring partners Goethe-Institut and DutchCulture invite German and Netherlands-based creatives and artists from all disciplines for a Friendship & Freedom Breakfast in Goethe-Institut Amsterdam. It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate existing ties, cherish friendships and forge new connections between artists and creative professionals from all backgrounds. The majority of Dutch cultural activities abroad take place in Germany, indicating how important and relevant the two countries are to each other.

On 5 May, known as Bevrijdingsdag, the Netherlands celebrates liberation from occupation during the Second World War. In a broader sense, Bevrijdingsdag can offer an opportunity for reflection and inspire action on the importance of freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide. Grab this opportunity to make new connections and freely discuss the values on which freedom in Europe is based.

You can also meet DutchCulture’s Germany advisor Astrid Mörk and programme maker Simon de Leeuw, who will be present to think along with you about your international ambitions and plans to collaborate internationally. Last but not least, there will be Brezeln!

10:30-10:45    Doors open/walk-in

10:45-10:55    Welcome speech

10:55-11:20    Round 1: Introduction

11:20-11:40    Round 2: Sharing work experiences and future plans in Germany/the Netherlands

11:40-12:05    Round 3: Exchanging thoughts on the day's topics (liberation, freedom, democracy)

12:05-12:15    Wrap up

12:15-13:00    Drinks in the garden

Afterwards, feel free to join Germany-based Syrian artist Mohamad Kteish in creating a participatory artwork, designing a model for a city in Europe in which all people can live together in freedom and peace. This creative project combines art, remembrance and visions for a better future.

You and your friends, colleagues and family members are also welcome to stick around for a tasty, free lunch and the traditional freedom soup, paired with music, poetry and interactive activities.

All Dutch, German and other international makers and cultural professionals living in the Netherlands who are looking to strengthen their connections either in the Netherlands or Germany are invited. And if you want, bring a cultural buddy!

• If you’re a non-German cultural professional based in the Netherlands, we invite you to bring along a German cultural buddy who you’d like to celebrate this special day with
• If you’re a German cultural professional, we invite you to bring along a non-German cultural buddy based in the Netherlands with you
• For those of you who want to join without a buddy: we will make sure to connect you to other makers!

Date: Sunday, 5 May 2024
Time: 10:30 – 12:15 CEST
Language: English (possibly German and Dutch)
Location: Goethe-Institut, Herengracht 470, 1017 CA Amsterdam
Entrance: Free