Solidarity Platform Launch

We are happy to invite you to the launch of the Solidarity Platform, an ongoing project led by the non-EU support and the Sandberg Student Circle from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie & Sandberg Instituut.

The solidarity platform is an ongoing resource hub and support network for non-Dutch students, particularly non-EU students, coming to study at Dutch art education institutions.

This platform is sourced from collaborative, shared documents initiated by non-EU students who identified the dire need for centralised information resources to help them navigate life in the Netherlands.

On the one hand, this platform seeks to link concrete tools and information resources to make more approachable the experience of moving to the Netherlands: what to expect, to prepare for, and to envision. From administration and bureaucracy, to housing and work, to funding opportunities and possibilities for remaining in the Netherlands after study - this platform aims to provide a comprehensive overview and toolkit.

On the other hand, it also seeks to create a space of active solidarity, mutual support and community-building for non-EU students through the open comment section and calendar, where people can share tips and information related to their lived experiences, as well as share and connect with activities that relate to the themes, community and information of the platform.

For the launch, we would like to invite you to a presentation of the platform by Lila Bullen-Smith and Francisca Khamis Giacoman, and to share cake & cocktails with us to celebrate the end of the design and research process and the beginning of the platform’s life in the community.