Shared History of the World Exhibition - Public Program

First Noble Institute

Join Europe’s largest Afrofuturism event Dec 7-8 at OBA Oosterdok! Film premiere, VR, talks, and exhibits. Limited seats—reserve now!

OBA Oosterdok

UPDATE: December 6, 2024<ul><li>Saturday Tickets: Limited availability for door sales (NO CASH).</li><li>Sunday Tickets: Only a few left for door sales (NO CASH).</li><li>VR Experience Tickets: SOLD OUT.</li><li>Weekend Passes: SOLD OUT.</li></ul>-------------

Join us for Europe’s largest event dedicated to Afrofuturism, organized by the First Noble Institute in collaboration with the global Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM). This groundbreaking gathering brings together leading thinkers, artists, and creatives in Black speculative arts to explore how Afrofuturism shapes technology, art, and storytelling, amplifying voices from the African diaspora and envisioning a future redefined by Black narratives and an exclusive book launch of 'HIS STORY OF THE WORLD' by First Noble Institute that showcases the transformative power of Afrofuturism.

In the special program, a diverse group of global Afrofuturists will present and discuss emerging topics with featured speakers include Dr. Reynaldo Anderson (USA), Associate Professor of Africology at Temple University; Sheree Renée Thomas (USA), award-winning author and editor of the Black arts journal Obsidian; and Yvonne Apiyo Brändle-Amolo (Switzerland), parliamentarian, artist, and scientist. More confirmed guests:Vamba Sherif (Netherlands) – Writer, journalist, and specialist African literature; Zaika dos Santos (Brazil) – Multidisciplinary artist and AI specialist; Stacey Robinson (USA) – Associate Professor of Graphic Design, multimedia artist, and graphic novelist; Juice Aleem (UK) – Hip-hop artist, event organizer, and writer; David Kirkman (USA) – Creator and Director of the film Underneath: The Children of the Sun; Jason Wilson (USA) – Producer of Underneath: The Children of the Sun; Imanuelle Grives (Netherlands) – Actress, filmmaker and writer; Dr. LaWana Richmond (USA) – Executive Director and educator; Prof. Natasha Kelly (Germany) – Writer, sociologist, and artist; Guilherme Henrique Xavier (Brazil) – Graphic designer and pixel art specialist; Fredy Mena Andrade (Colombia) – AI specialist, software developer and VR expert; Quentin VerCetty (Canada) – Multidisciplinary artist &amp; pioneer of Afrofuturism in Canada; Theo Paijmans (Netherlands) – Journalist and Afrofuturism pioneer; Haydiên Nedd (Netherlands) – Streamer and cosplay artist, ICT specialist; Steven Vreden (Netherlands) – Creative producer, psychologist, and co-founder of First Noble Institute; Gerald Vreden (Netherlands) – Writer, producer, director, co-founder of First Noble Institute.

<h3>Saturday 7 December 2024</h3>In the public program, a diverse group of global Afrofuturists will present and discuss emerging topics like the future, AI, comic culture, and storytelling. Panel: Future of Society A forward-looking conversation exploring the societal shifts, innovations, and global challenges that are reshaping our communities and defining the world of tomorrow. With the guiding question, "How do we contribute with our stories and communities to the future of society?" the discussion will delve into the power of narrative, cultural connection, and collective action in driving progress. Panelmembers:<ul><li>Dr. Reynaldo Anderson (USA) </li><li>Yvonne Apiyo (Switzerland) </li><li>Quintin Vercity (Canada) </li><li>Dr. Natascha Kelly (Germany) </li></ul>Panel: Afrofuturism, Comic and Hip Hop Culture Explore how Afrofuturism, hiphop, and comic culture shape Black identities, challenge narratives, and envision the future. Guided by the question, “How should we strengthen the authenticity of Black culture through artistic expression?” this discussion examines how these creative movements honor cultural roots while inspiring todays innovations. visions. Panelmembers:<ul><li>Stacey Robinson (USA)</li><li>Gerald Vreden (Netherlands)</li><li>Juice Aleem (UK)</li></ul>Panel and Q&A: Underneath: Children of the Sun Discover the power of independent cinema in Underneath: Children of the Sun. This panel dives into creating impactful stories and claiming your own narrative. Join filmmakers as they share insights on shaping unique stories that inspire. Panelmembers:<ul><li>David Kirkman (USA)</li><li>Jason Wilson (USA)</li><li>Imanuele Grives (Netherlands)</li></ul>Lightningtalks: A curated series of short, powerful talks on emerging topics in culture, technology, AI and art. These short, powerful presentations for fresh insights and new inspiration.<ul><li>Quentin VerCetty (Canada) - Sankofanology</li><li>Stacey Robinson (USA) - Collaborating the Afrofuture</li><li>Fredy Mena Andrade (Colombia) - Afro Futurist Visual Narrative From Colombia</li><li>Sheree Renee Thomas (USA)</li></ul>

European Film Premiere of Underneath: Children of the Sun The films of writer and director David Kirkman (USA) are renowned for their Black superheroes—a unique concept in the world of cinema. This screening marks the European premiere of his latest work. In Underneath: Children of the Sun, we follow the breathtaking journey of an enslaved man in 19th-century Missouri. After he helps a fallen alien, he becomes entangled in an intergalactic conflict. Meanwhile, a powerful extraterrestrial artifact is passed down through generations on Earth, setting off an epic battle of cosmic proportions.

SANKOFA: The Unique VR Experience The extraordinary VR theater experience SANKOFA is based on the Afrofuturist literary series HIS STORY OF THE WORLD. This VR production seamlessly blends literature, theater, gaming, and Afrofuturism. You take on the main role and undertake a journey through space and time in a thrilling story of myths, sagas, and legends from an Afro-Caribbean perspective. Discover your unique abilities and inner potential in this one-of-a-kind VR experience!Limited spots available*. Choose your experience for the VR performance: WITH VR Glasses for a fully immersive experience or WITHOUT VR Glasses for an alternate viewing option. <ul><li>WITH VR Glasses: Immerse yourself fully by adding a separate VR Glasses ticket for just €5.</li><li>WITHOUT VR Glasses: Enjoy the performance as a spectator with a regular ticket.</li></ul>Please note: Spots are limited for both the immersive VR experience and spectator viewing. Secure your ticket now! 🎟️ SANKOFA tickets will be available on Tuesday November 19th

Booklaunch HIS STORY OF THE WORLD and RISE OF THE MAFU Celebrate the Dutch edition book launch of First Noble’s Afrofuturistic novel series HIS STORY OF THE WORLD and the crowdfunding launch of RISE OF THE MAFU, an exciting new upcoming graphic novel set in the same universe.This event will feature discussions with internationally award-winning writers and acclaimed Dutch authors, who will explore the cultural significance and impact of the Netherlands’ first Afrofuturistic novel series.Adding to the experience, Zaika dos Santos (Brasil) will present a live performance inspired by the themes of the HIS STORY OF THE WORLD universe, bringing its creative essence to life.

Image: Zaika dos Santos (Brasil) at Festa da Luz 2023 Note: Please note that the program is still being updated. Each part of the program has limited seating, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible—once full, no additional seats will be available. Stay tuned for updates!Below: Timetable December 7th

<h3>Sunday 8 December 2024</h3>Join us for the second day of this unique festival celebrating the power of Afrofuturism, cultural identity and visionary conversations.Day 2 of the festival day of the Shared History of the World exhibition invites you to dive deeper into the Afrofuturist experience with inspiring talks, powerful performances, and networking opportunities with international creative leaders from around the world. From spoken word to panel discussions on feminism, gaming and more, this day is designed to ignite connections and spark new ideas.

Program HighlightsNetworking Breakfast Start your day with a networking breakfast that brings together like-minded creatives, thinkers and culture enthusiasts. A unique opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and international guests. Opening Performance: Carla Kabamba Kick off with a compelling spoken word performance by Carla Kabamba, a multi-talented politician, political scientist, and Amsterdam city council member. Famous for her powerful voice and passion for Afrofuturism, Carla will share her vision and love for the Afrofuturist culture with an inspiring performance. All-Female Power Panel: European Thought Leaders on Feminism and Narrative Ownership An inspiring panel discussion featuring leading European women as they explore the power of storytelling and self-representation. Delve into the importance of owning your narrative in a refreshed feminist framework and uncover how women are redefining their roles, reshaping the future, and reclaiming their voices in spaces where their stories matter most. The conversation wraps around the significance of owning one's narrative within a feminine context. Panelmembers:<ul><li>Sheree Renee Thomas (USA)</li><li>Dr. Natascha Kelly (Germany)</li><li>Yvonne Apiyo Braendle-Amolo (Switserland)</li><li>Carla Kabamba (Netherlands)</li></ul> Panel: Gaming Culture and Afrofuturism Discover the intersection of Afrofuturism and gaming in this exciting session! Join us as we explore how African and Afro-Caribbean heritage inspires storytelling, technology, and immersive experiences in the gaming world. Guided by the leading question, “How can the inclusion of Black stories and characters, inspired by Afrofuturism, drive innovation and diversity in the development of gaming and creative technology?” this panel will delve into the transformative potential of centering Black narratives. Panelmembers:<ul><li>Fredy Mena Andrade (Colombia)</li><li>Haydiene Nedd (Netherlands)</li><li>Guilherme Henrique Xavier (Brasil)</li><li>Zaika dos Santos (Brasil)</li></ul> Film Showcase: The Glow of N'golo Witness the amazing artistry of *The Glow of N'golo*, a short film by AFROFLUX and A Film Pardna from Birmingham, UK. This unique film celebrates the reclamation of African martial arts, blending elements of dance and combat to create a powerful expression that honors African heritage. BSAM Europe launch Join us as we mark a groundbreaking moment in Afrofuturism—the launch of BSAM Europe! A new collaboration of artists, writers, and innovators from across Europe set to advance Afrofuturistic art and heritage in bold new directions. Be part of this historical moment. Lightning Talks A curated series of short, powerful talks on emerging topics in culture, technology, and art. These short, powerful presentations for fresh insights and new inspiration. <ul><li>Guilherme Henrique Xavier (Brasil) - Pixel Art in Black Speculative Art</li><li>Dr. Lawana Richmond (USA) - Co-creating the future through community engagement</li><li>Yvonne Apiyo Braendle-Amolo (Switzerland) - Revitalising and Reclaiming Culture</li></ul> Shared History of the World ExhibitionPlus, enjoy access to the exhibition area, open throughout the day, offering an experience with Afrofuturistic art installations and interactive exhibits for all guests.Shared History of the World exhibits work of over thirty international artists. The exhibition includes installations, multimedia and digital art, paintings, film and objects. The connecting factor is their source of inspiration, the magical, mystical and mythological elements of the Afrofuturist literary series 'HIS STORY OF THE WORLD' (2023) by author and creator Gerald Vreden (NL).Shared History of the World is curated by First Noble Institute, in collaboration with The Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM) from the United States. Below: Timetable December 8th

Welcome to the Shared History of the World Exhibition - Public Program! Join us on Sat Dec 07 2024 and Sun 08 2024 at OBA Oosterdok for days filled with interactive exhibits, engaging talks, booklaunches, film premiere, VR experience and thought-provoking discussions. Explore the full spectrum of Afrofuturism. Please note: The program, including panels will be conducted in English.