haarlemsdagbladMay 1, 2026, 11:02

'Gentle poet' Gershwin Bonefacia at May 4 Memorial Concert; 'Resistance is a chain of continuous small acts against injustice'

Poet Gershwin Bonefacia, former city poet of Amsterdam and winner of the Gouden Ganzenveer 2026, will perform as a special guest at a remembrance concert on May 4th. The event will be held by the Kennemer Youth Orchestra at the Haarlemmerhout in Haarlem and also features Myron Henning.

Culture Amsterdam Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Looking for a friendly chat? Step into the yellow square at the station on Wednesday

To promote social connection, the Week of the Chat initiative is launching in Haarlem on October 14, featuring a designated yellow zone at the train station where people can meet for casual conversations. Inspired by research from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the project aims to help individuals feel happier and less lonely by encouraging social interaction and boosting confidence.

This artist had the Stedelijk staircase painted black: 'It is an opportunity to head in a new direction'

American artist Adam Pendleton is currently exhibiting his work at the Stedelijk Museum, where he has notably painted the stairwell black. His art features a complex blend of indistinct words and abstract shapes, intentionally challenging viewers who seek clear, definitive meanings in his creative process.

Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has severely limited accessible support services for individuals in Amsterdam facing problems related to chemsex. Healthcare providers are now sounding the alarm, warning that the loss of this specialized care leaves a vulnerable group without adequate prevention and assistance.

Women's organizations want to organize vigil in memory of Hajar: "I miss the outrage"

Women's rights organizations are planning a vigil and protest march in Amsterdam to honor 29-year-old Hajar, whose body was recently found in a suitcase. The organizers hope to address concerns regarding the limited public response to her death and advocate for increased safety for women in the city.