Protest in the City

Protest in the City

Protest has always been an inherent part of the democratic process and urban life, unfolding on the streets, squares, and walls of our cities. From the strikes of the harbour workers to the #MeToo movement, and from demonstrations by residents against increasing rents or climate marches, to Black Lives Matter campaigns - people find ways to be heard in public space. But the possibilities for protest are increasingly under pressure. Security measures, gentrification and the increasing smoothening of public space are making it harder for people to freely gather, express dissent, and advocate for change.

For this last thematic block we will team up with Rene Boer, Mark Minkjan and Katía Truijen of Loom - practice for cultural transformation to look at public space in the city as a place for protest. We will regard activism as a discipline that involves revealing facts, building narratives and creating real-world impact. Whether it is the fossil fuelled industry or the bankrupt housing system, Rotterdam has plenty of battles to be fought that resonate over the globe. In these weeks we will identify an urgent issue, create a counter position, and design a strategy to challenge it while proposing an alternative solution. 

Drawing inspiration from past and present generations of activists, we will explore how to design blockades, barricades, banners, legal tactics, and social media memes, squatting operations, and consumer strikes—using whatever tools are necessary to drive change.

This workshop is part of our This is Tomorrow programme, but also offered as a stand-alone workshop. More info soon.

Preliminary Programme

Week 1: Monday 02 - Thursday 05 June 2025

Week 2: Monday 09 - Thursday 12 June 2025 

Week 3: Monday 16 - Thursday 19 June 2025