Deadline: July 4 2025
In 2025, we will mark significant milestones in the history of decolonisation. Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Suriname will celebrate fifty years of independence. The Democratic Republic of Congo gained political independence in1960, the same year Ghana became an independent republic.
This autumn, The Black Archives will open the exhibition Echoes of In*dependence. Throughout the year, we will host a range of events exploring the meaning of freedom and independence. Through this exhibition and accompanying program, we will engage in dialogue with communities from the African diaspora about these themes — both past and present.
Why this call?
Those involved in African diasporic independence movements held diverse visions for national liberation, independence, and decolonization. Their struggles took many forms: from cultural awareness campaigns to peaceful protest and armed resistance. Our archives show that these movements were often interconnected — expressing solidarity, learning from each other’s experiences, and shaping shared visions of the future.
Artists and creatives played a vital role in questioning the status quo and imagining better futures. However, for many nations, independence did not automatically equate to true freedom. The broader struggle for liberation continues today. Consider, for example:
- the neocolonial exploitation of natural resources in Eastern Congo by foreign companies;
- the lack of land rights of Indigenous and Maroon communities in Suriname;
- or the oppression of queer communities in Ghana.
At the same time, liberation movements and freedom fighters continue to inspire us to work towards a more just world.
What are we looking for?
The Black Archives is seeking artists, writers, and makers to create work around questions such as:
- What stories remain untold? We welcome underrepresented perspectives from African and Caribbean emancipation and decolonization movements, with a particular focus on the role of women.
- What can we learn from past decolonization struggles? What visions did freedom fighters hold, and how are these still relevant today?
- What did solidarity look like? How were decolonization movements on the African continent and in the diaspora interconnected — and how can we forge new connections today?
We invite creatives from all disciplines to respond: visual artists, graphic designers, filmmakers, illustrators, performers, and others.
Selected participants will be asked to develop a research question and concept within one of the above themes. The final work could take the form of a visual artwork, publication, short film, or any other creative medium that brings this hidden history to life.
The final work must be completed by November 1st 2025 and will be featured in our multimedia exhibition and public program at The Black Archives in Amsterdam East and/or our location in Amsterdam Southeast.
What we offer
Two selected artists (or collectives) or makers will receive:
- A three-month working period (August – October 2025)
- An artist’s fee of €3137 based on the Dutch guideline for artist remuneration (incl. VAT)
- A production budget of up to €2,000 (incl. VAT)
- Access to The Black Archives for research purposes
- Monthly group sessions with fellow makers for exchanges, reflection, and feedback
- Presentation of the work in our Autumn 2025 exhibition
Selection criteria
We will evaluate proposals based on the following:
- Motivation (max. 500 words or video up to 10 minutes):
A clear, original, and well-developed proposal with a strong research question. - Portfolio (max. 10 pages):
Recent work (preferably from the past four years) that reflects your vision and practice. - Relevance:
The proposal must align with the central theme of Echoes of Independence*. - Creativity and critical insight:
We are looking for fresh, critical perspectives that invite thought, emotion, and reflection. - Affinity: demonstrable affinity with Africa, the diaspora and the theme of the project.
How to apply
Submit your proposal via the form below, including:
- Motivation letter (max. 500 words) or a video (max. 10 minutes)
- Bijlage I: Portfolio (max. 10 pages)
- Bijlage II: C.V. (max. 2 pages)
- Deadline: July 4th 2025
Please send these three attachments via email to info@theblackarchives.nl for the attention of Claire Boogaard and with the subject: “Open Call Application: Echoes of In*dependence“. Thank you!