Activating Common Ground, by Nieuwe Instituut

Practical information
Date: Thursday, 22 January
Time: 17:00 - 21:00
Location: Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam

This event is organised by Nieuwe Instituut and supported by DutchCulture.

With the cultural programme of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka now officially concluded, this event provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the many inspiring activities that took place during the six-month expo, both in Osaka and across Japan.

It will feature a performance by the Benjamin Herman Trio, interviews with cultural programme participants about their experiences, and reflections on the numerous collaborations created through the programme, including performances, artworks, and the graphic and spatial design of the Showcases.

The highlight will be the presentation of the Activating Common Ground publication, which provides a visual and narrative overview of the cultural programme. It will be officially presented to the cultural programme commissioners: Dewi van de Weerd (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Christianne Mattijssen (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science).

This festive gathering marks the opening of the MONO JAPAN Fair, a celebration of contemporary Japanese craft, design, and culture, taking place in Rotterdam from January 23 to 25, 2026.