haarlemsdagbladApr 19, 2026, 17:32

For their new exhibition 'Relics', Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren turned dinosaur fossils into artworks: 'I've learned I'm not a welder'

The new exhibition 'Relics' at the Art Zoo Museum in Amsterdam features dinosaur fossils transformed into artworks by Haarlem-based artists Jaap Sinke and Ferry van Tongeren. The artists used specialized tools like welding torches and grinders to craft the massive fossil pieces for the display.

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.

Michel Peters, chair of queer police network Pink in Blue: ‘Amsterdam is no longer the tolerant city it once was. And I am naming the elephant in the room’

Michel Peters, chairman of the queer police network Roze in Blauw, warns that Amsterdam is becoming less tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community due to increased violence and intimidation. He urges victims to report all incidents to the police to ensure accurate tracking of these hate-related crimes.

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.