The language of protest
Mirte Hartland was a guest resident for four months at the Rijksakademie, through a collaboration with Poetry Circle, a workshop programme of Spoken Word in Amsterdam.. She is a writer, anthropologist and singersong-poet currently doing artistic research on the language of activism and protest movements. During her residency at the Rijksakademie, she organized two spoken word workshops with artists in residence, where she provided some creative writing tools in order for artists to delve into their authentic motivation to create. From a sense of individual urgency, the workshop moved towards a conversation about political urgency and how this translated to words and rhythm.
During the Rijksakademie Open Studios, Mirte Hartland, along with two other local spoken word artists, delivered a surprise poetry jam centered around the language of protest. The unexpected performance captivated the audience, offering a powerful and evocative exploration of protest through spoken word. Visitors in the courtyard were immersed in the spontaneous and vibrant expressions, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that highlighted the potency of poetry as a form of protest.