Subsequent to Garden of Scars, the Oude Kerk organised a comprehensive public programme under the name of Gatherings, linked to the themes of Ibrahim Mahama’s work as well as current issues. Visitors were invited to explore the artistic intervention from a different perspective through concerts, tours, performances, and other activities.

Over three weekends, the Oude Kerk invited communities of thinkers, musicians, and travellers to share stories from both sides of the Atlantic in the midst of the Garden of Scars. In its centuries-long relationship with Europe, Africa and its diaspora have faced the horrors of being torn apart. At the same time, there is a capacity for growth in this otherwise exploitative destructive relationship. Sounds and stories travelled, changed and blended together through space and time, working towards the new now and the sound that is already ringing in the ears of the future generation.

Under the title of “Stories Across the Atlantic and Beyond”, several people were invited by Ama van Dantzig. Natalie Everts, historian, shared stories about the families at Fort Elmina in conversation with Raul Balai. She posed questions such as, what was life like on the West African coast and who were the people who came into contact with the Dutch? The Netherlands did not just leave behind a series of dilapidated forts in Ghana: hundreds of Ghanaian families are descended from unions between Dutch men and African women. John Collins gave an online lecture on the evolution of rhythm and sound on the voyage across the Atlantic. Musician Lisette Ma Neza complemented the programme with a poetic performance.

Materials

Screen, microphone, speakers, chairs, guitar