KEYNOTE: Tools for Collective Learning

Join this special KEYNOTES program launching Tools for Collective Learning, a publication about our Name Change Initiative co-published by Kunstinstituut Melly with Jap Sam Books. This KEYNOTE asks: What does it take to change? The program is part of a weekend of celebrations featuring conversation, screening, performance and refreshments.

We are proud to welcome our KEYNOTE guest Gaëtane Verna, Executive Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, former director of the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery Toronto and a leader in the field of contemporary art and education.

Responding to the ‘Tools for Collective Learning’ publication, Verna will address the question: “What does it take to change?”. This will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Lilith Magazine’s Hasna el Maroudi, as well as guest respondent Sarah Robertson of Bristol Beacon, an institution which also changed its name in a multi-year process from 2018 to 2020.

The KEYNOTE will also feature a performance by members of the Collective Learning in Practice 2022 group and their collaboration ‘Home: An Unfinished Project’ with Bianca Casaburi, Lola den Dunnen, Je-Anne Dirksz, Simon Mensger, Seré, Lara Silva Santos, Repelsteeltje, Yoshi So, Karina Villafan and Alma Zijderveldt. The program will also feature a screening of the Melly TV compilation reel and will be followed by a celebration with light-fare and refreshments.

Tools for Collective Learning is a publication that brings together multiple voices and perspectives reflecting on the institutional pathways for change of our Name Change Initiative. The publication documents the ‘Collective Learning’ methodology by which we changed our name to Kunstinstituut Melly from Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art. The book reflects on both the symbolic and structural transformations of Kunstinstituut Melly, its institutional culture, its audiences, and its ongoing mission for social responsibility and multi-vocal heritage.

Tools for Collective Learning is designed by Julie Peeters, and features contributions by: Teana Boston-Mammah, Tayler Calister, Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy, Callum Dean, Rosa de Graf, Boutaina Hammana, Michiel Huijben, Wooseok Jang, Stijn Kemper, Alex Klein, Jessy Koeiman, Prem Krishnamurthy, Rolando Vázquez Melken, Yahaira Brito Morfe, Nina Schouten, Alexander Tanazefti, Emily Turner, Aqueene Wilson, Yan Zhihan and Vivian Ziherl.