Sranan Identity Talks: The Power of Textile

• Date: 04 October
• Time: 14:00 - 16:00
• Location: Centrale Bibliotheek

This event will take place in Dutch.

In this edition we will be working with Chévany Kartodimedjo on fashion and textiles.

What will we do?
We’ll start with an introduction by Chévany on different forms of traditional Surinamese clothing. Afterwards, we’ll explore how you can creatively and accessibly integrate Surinamese elements into your everyday style. You’ll get inspiration, tips, and then start creating yourself — making your Surinamese roots visible in your look.

About Chévany
As an emerging fashion tailor, Chévany is inspired by her Javanese-Surinamese background and queer identity. These aspects form the foundation of her work, as she seeks ways to integrate diversity, inclusion, and self-expression into everything she creates. She strives to build spaces in which everyone feels seen and heard.

About Sranan Identity Talks
Nicchelle and Naomi are part of a generation of young people with Surinamese roots who were born and raised in the Netherlands. They grew up in a time when Suriname felt both near and far away. Their sense of identity feels less fixed than that of their parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents.

They noticed that other young people also struggle with this. There are differences in how their generation has absorbed Surinamese culture, and therefore also in how “Surinamese” they feel. Because what do you say when people constantly ask where you’re from, even though you may have never been to Suriname yourself? Or if you are half, a quarter, or mixed Suri, but no one seems to see that?

Being mixed and biracial is not for the weak. But you are not alone in this. During Sranan Identity, we as a younger generation of Surinamese come together and create a brave space not only to talk about this, but also to help each other explore our identities. From attending a theater performance to folding angisas, from cooking chutney together to a Q&A with an auntie. Will we see you there?!

This year Suriname celebrates 50 years of independence from the Netherlands. Throughout the year, The Hague Public Library, in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, is organizing events around this anniversary. Keep an eye on the website for similar programs.

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