Rotterdam is a true hiphop city. From september 23 a new exhibition at the Wereldmuseum is totally dedicated to how hiphop has claimed Rotterdam. The world is yours! – hiphop maakt de stad is created in collaboration with Brand New Guys, Clan de Banlieue, Concrete Blossom and Notes. They give their vision on the role of hip-hop, each in their own space within the exhibition.
All over the world, hiphop plays a significant role in claiming the city and creating meaningful places. These places increase the quality of life of local communities – in Rotterdam, for instance. Whether it’s stories, activities like block parties, graffiti tags or chillings. Each contribution adds a new layer of meaning to the environment. The Rotterdam hotspots pop up in video and installations. And they vary from Bospolderplein to former music venue Nighttown.
As an art form, hiphop has always been a means for oppressed and underrepresented groups to voice their resistance against the way they were portrayed and stereotyped. The exhibition addresses the ideals of the communities striving to create places where they feel a sense of belonging. And the way hip hop gives – and has always given – people the tools to show resilience and resistance to issues of exclusion and gentrification. This goes to show how hip hop as a way of life has brought Rotterdam communities together. And how they change the city’s image, from the bottom up. Sharing knowledge within the communities is a recurring theme.
Relevant to the Rotterdam hiphop scene
