On Tuesday, November 24, the theme week Art Breaks the Silence started at De Meerpaal in Dronten. This week aims to send a strong message against sexual violence through art born from traumatic experiences.
Brave
Besides the organization, Janita Tabak (director of De Meerpaal) and Jean Paul Gebben (mayor of Dronten), Deputy Sjaak Simonse was also present at the opening. He wanted to strengthen the attention and signal given by this week. He called it ‘brave and something to have great respect for’ that people confronted with sexual violence express their pain and struggle through art. He also noted that an artistic expression can say things where words fail.
Investing in art and culture
Art and culture have a great influence on our physical and mental health. Culture is a social cornerstone that can give meaning to life. Art offers a different perspective, is a mirror, and provides comfort. This is why we, as a province, invest in art and culture and thus contribute to individual well-being and a vital society.
Being seen and heard
Simonse also emphasized the importance of recognition, meaning ‘we hear you, we see you, you matter’. In our province, this attitude must be self-evident, he stated: at school, in healthcare, in associations, in the neighborhood, and in the policies of organizations and governments. Simonse ended his contribution with a call to listen, believe, and refer. And to use the knowledge and contacts that arise this week. He also expressed the hope that this week is not a one-time event but the beginning of a warm Flevoland practice where art breaks the silence.
De Meerpaal prepared the theme week in collaboration with the foundations Kunst uit Geweld and Wij zijn M. Financiers of the theme week are Cultuurfonds Flevoland, St. Achmea Slachtoffer en Samenleving, Mr. August Fentener van Vlissingen Fonds, and the municipality of Dronten.
