UNESCO Aruba Hosts Travelling Poster Exhibition on Slavery in 2024
In April 2024, UNESCO Aruba, along with the Caribbean Office of UNESCO in Jamaica, launched the Travelling Poster Exhibition on Slavery. Titled “Slavery: Ten True Stories of Dutch Colonial Slavery & Aruba’s Stories,” this exhibition focuses on personal accounts of slavery, with special attention to Aruba’s history.
Exploring Dutch Colonial Slavery
The exhibition dives into the harsh realities of Dutch colonial slavery. Developed by the Rijksmuseum, it features 14 posters, each shedding light on the lives of those affected by slavery. The exhibition presents ten personal stories, three introductory posters, and a world map for broader context.
This initiative goes beyond historical facts. It highlights the resilience and resistance of those who endured slavery. The exhibition encourages reflection, aiming to spark meaningful conversations about the past and its influence on our present.
Collaboration on an International Scale
Throughout 2024, the exhibition will travel to multiple locations, thanks to local and international collaborations. In addition to UNESCO Aruba and UNESCO’s Caribbean Office, the exhibition has backing from EducationUSA, UNOCA, and other cultural institutions in Aruba.
This teamwork underscores a shared goal: recognizing the past while working toward an inclusive future. Embassies, UN offices, and cultural spaces such as the National Library of Trinidad & Tobago and the Tula Museum in Curaçao will also host the exhibition.
Aruba’s Unique Stories Highlighted
For the Aruban edition, local stories have been added to connect the global history of slavery with Aruba’s experience. These contributions provide an insightful look into Aruba’s specific role in the larger context of colonial slavery.
The Story of ‘Thomas’
One key addition is the story of ‘Thomas,’ a slave whose life was reconstructed through records from the National Archives. His story illustrates courage and resistance, offering a powerful perspective on Aruba’s fight against injustice.
‘Francisca y Eugenio’ – A Story of Resilience
The exhibition also includes Francisca y Eugenio, a film directed by Mrs. Rebecca Roos. This film tells the story of the Ecury family, highlighting Aruba’s history of resilience. The screening adds an emotional and relatable element to the exhibition, making it more impactful for visitors.
A Journey Across Aruba’s Cultural Institutions
The exhibition will travel across several key locations in Aruba. UNESCO Aruba partnered with cultural institutions and the Ministries of Culture and Education to create a path for the exhibition to reach diverse audiences. It will be displayed at the National Library of Aruba, the Archaeological Museum Aruba, Educampus Aruba, and more.
National Library of San Nicolas
The exhibition begins at the National Library in San Nicolas, where it will remain until October 18, 2024. Here, the focus is on educating both students and the local community about Dutch colonial slavery and Aruba’s role in this history.
Fostering Education and Awareness
The Travelling Poster Exhibition on Slavery isn’t just about presenting history; it’s about fostering reflection. By connecting the past to the present, it urges visitors to think about issues like inequality and social justice.
Connecting the Past and the Future
The personal stories in this exhibition create a bridge between the past and present. By highlighting stories of individuals who lived through slavery, the exhibition helps us understand how history continues to shape today’s social issues.
In alignment with UNESCO’s mission, the exhibition promotes education and cultural understanding. It encourages visitors to join the global dialogue on reconciliation and healing while envisioning a more inclusive future.
Engaging Local Audiences
Local stories like ‘Thomas’ and the film Francisca y Eugenio make this history more relevant to today’s Aruban audience. Educational and cultural institutions will ensure the exhibition reaches a wide audience, from students to the general public.
What’s Next for the Exhibition?
After its stay at the National Library in San Nicolas, the exhibition will continue its journey across Aruba. Each location will offer new perspectives, attracting fresh audiences and tailoring the content to fit local needs.
A Message for Future Generations
The stories of resilience and resistance shared in this exhibition remind us of the enduring strength of the human spirit. UNESCO Aruba and its partners hope these stories will inspire future generations to reflect on the past while building a more inclusive future.
Conclusion
The Travelling Poster Exhibition on Slavery is a profound educational initiative that brings to light personal and historical accounts of Dutch colonial slavery, with a special focus on Aruba. By offering a platform for these stories to be shared, UNESCO Aruba and its partners hope to inspire reflection, conversation, and action toward a more inclusive future. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history and learn about Aruba’s important place in this global narrative.
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