In conversation with Blauwsel about representation

With Blauwsel, they hope to get the Surinamese and Caribbean community in Tilburg more involved in the cultural landscape. Blauwsel is a celebration of culture, but also a call for more representation and dialogue. We spoke with Sidney and Valerye about their initiative and dreams for the future: “We want to bring people together and inspire them.”

“It actually all started when Yannick organized a benefit evening for an orphanage in Paramaribo.” explains Sidney. “What he was doing appealed to me so much because as the child of a Surinamese father born in the Netherlands, I can feel survivor's guilt at times. I think that's recognizable to more people of my generation. 'Where is our responsibility as a generation that wasn't born there?' Yannick and I sat down together and soon Valerye and Tyrone joined us. That's when the ball started rolling.” Valerye adds: “We noticed that we all wanted to explore who we are and how Surinamese culture affects our lives. That's where Blauwsel came from: it was so nice to have a conversation with each other that we wanted to provide a platform to bring people together who might have a similar experience.” Sidney: “I can best describe it as a gut feeling that you want to know more about your roots.”

Where the name Blauwsel comes from? “Blauwsel is a blue powder which has spiritual significance in Surinamese culture.” Explains Sidney. “People use it to protect themselves or their children from the evil eye. We chose the name Blauwsel because it is such a recognizable product for children of Surinamese parents. That is exactly the target group we want to appeal to. We hope with our platform to ignite a sense of community among this generation, and to celebrate our culture together.” And what exactly will this look like? Valerye: “We are still very much researching where exactly the needs are among the communities in the city. Our first event at the Nachtzuster 'Celebrating Suriname' is primarily a celebration of all things cultural. We see it as a first introduction and an invitation to engage in conversation with each other.”

Besides a celebration of culture, Blauwsel is also a call for a fairer representation of different cultures and backgrounds in the cultural landscape. Sidney: “Despite good efforts and intentions, the cultural scene in Tilburg is not yet diverse enough. With Blauwsel, therefore, we also want Surinamese artists to exhibit or musicians to play. We want to see more of this group of people because these communities are currently still underrepresented in the sector. In this way we hope to change that in our own way.” Sidney, Valerye, Tyrone and Yannick specifically choose the language of art and culture to bring attention to this issue. Sidney: “For us, it makes perfect sense. We are all creators and we come from that industry. That's what we know and for us the most obvious way to bring something about. In that, art and culture is about expression. It gives hope, inspiration, motivation and it works healing. For us, that fits with what we want to achieve.” Valerye adds: “If you want to bring about change, I think you also have to stay close to yourself. That's why we enter this conversation from the way we know, and work with people who might be more activist. By all using our strengths, we will move forward together.”

If it is up to the initiators, this is only a taste of something much bigger. What those dreams for the future are? Valerye: “I hope that our efforts will ensure that more events and organizations are organized from people of Surinamese descent. When we see more diversity in organizations and programming, it also works through into more diversity in audiences. Growing pains are part of it and we are also still learning, but if we stick to our ideals, we will get there.” Sidney adds: “I hope that in a few years, inclusion and representation in the cultural sector will no longer be an aspiration, but a given. We won't have to write a policy about it then, it will hopefully have become reality. If we can make a small contribution to that vision of the future with Blauwsel, I will be satisfied. But for now, in any case, we're just really looking forward to it!”