This is a free event. We would like to ask attendees to consider donating to the Black Queer & Trans Resistance Netherlands.

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Giovanni Maisto Ferreira and OTION present Touch'M: a series of events that aims to start a conversation about non-sexual intimacy between men as a catalyst for healing. The two artists join hands with Kunstinstituut Melly and Het Nieuwe Instituut to offer space for anyone interested to join. During the first day Giovanni and OTION organise an evening of conversations, performances and presentations at Het Nieuwe Instituut. The evening will be moderated by Aqueene Wilson (Fellow at Kunstinstituut Melly).

This series of events is named after the short film touch’M, directed by Giovanni Maisto Ferreira, which demonstrates how beautiful physical connection can be and simultaneously serves as a display of Giovanni’s personal experience of healthy masculine touch. The film was created to challenge people’s views on what it means to be intimate while being a man.

The artist states: “This short film serves as a symbolic depiction of how non-sexual touch can heal parts of the toxic masculinity that is prevalent but silent in Western society."

For the film, OTION was a featured performer, choreographer, songwriter and co-producer of the eponymous title song Touch'M. The short film will be presented during this event.

Programme

• Screening of touch'M, followed by a Q&A with Giovanni Maisto Ferreira.
• Conversation on the work and collaboration between Giovanni and OTION.
• Panel conversation with Glenn Helberg and Oscar Alonso Delgado on the topics of toxic masculinity, intimacy, and nonsexual touch.
• Performances by OTION and Christian Yav.

For more information on the event and the artists, visit our website.

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In the weekend of 6 and 7 November, join the founder of The Gathering of Men, Oscar Alonso Delgado for the men-circle Holding space for healthy masculine energy in Kunstinstituut Melly.

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This is a free event. We would like to ask attendees to consider donating to the Black Queer & Trans Resistance Netherlands.

As of 25 September 2021, Het Nieuwe Instituut follows the Museum Protocol, the rules of conduct for safe and responsible museum visits drawn up by the Museum Association on the basis of the RIVM guidelines. Under the new guidelines, we are required to check the corona pass of all visitors (aged 13 and above) attending all events. For an overview of all guidelines at Het Nieuwe Instituut, visit our website.