“We, a group of cultural professionals, artists and activists, draw attention to the disjunction between the stated criticality of Witte de With, a Center for Contemporary Art in Rotterdam, and its failure to acknowledge its entanglement with colonial violence. Witte de With has “failed” to come to terms with its own internal contradictions, and has yet to reckon with the historical figure it symbolically embodies. Even though our critique is directed at Witte de With, it extends well beyond this institution’s white walls. The issues we address are endemic within major “critical” cultural institutions in the Netherlands.”

The coming weeks Witte de With, Rotterdam’s center for contemporary art, is hosting a series of panel discussions and shows. Oh, WdW… just when you thought ‘doing critical work’ would just be a fun little event. Something to add to your relevance, to make you seem ‘edgy’. Project? Nah, we’re coming for your profile.

Two shots in the atmosphere for Egbert Alejandro Martina, Ramona Sno, Hodan Warsame, Patricia Schor, Amal Alhaag and Maria Guggenbichler who initiated and wrote this letter.

Click here to read the full letter. You can still sign it if you agree.