Arts and Culture Award Zoetermeer 2024

The nominees

Ivar Pijper - Uncharted & Unfazed

Ivar and his musical journey: from idea to debut album

During the corona period, when all performances by his band jeWelste were canceled, Ivar decided to use his time differently: he started writing piano music. Starting in January 2022, he set himself a goal: to compose 5 2-hour blocks every week. A year and a half later, he had completed 9 compositions, which would make up his debut album.

Ivar decided to record the pieces in his own studio, and in early 2024 the album was ready. But how did he attract attention? He dove into the world of AI video clips, created promotional videos featuring various pianos and grand pianos, had professional artwork and press photos taken, and devised a clever release strategy.

The first single, Uncharted, depicted the exciting unknown path he was taking. It was followed 6 weeks later by Unfazed, a song that emphasizes the importance of not being thrown off guard by things beyond your control. Although the full album will be released in 2025, 2024 was a milestone with the release of his first piano compositions.

Ruby Joemai - Art as a stage for untold stories

Ruby Joemai, an interdisciplinary artist born and living in Zoetermeer, explores her Surinamese-Hindustani and Indo-Caribbean roots through film, fashion, theater and graphic design. Her work revolves around decolonization, self-discovery and community. Collaboration with other artists and activists is an essential part of her working method, where the sharing of knowledge and strength is central.

In 2024, Ruby's work was prominent at the World Museum in Rotterdam, where it was not only part of an exhibition but also served as a campaign image. Inspired by activist stories from her community, Ruby is committed to providing a platform for untold histories.

She is currently working on a unique saree collection, bringing together the influences of her triple heritage into a contemporary creation. In addition, Ruby is building her fashion brand Kaam Kari La, through which she gives voice to Hindustani activists and proudly promotes the vernacular Sarnami so that it is not lost to future generations.

Korensound Foundation - 'With a smile and a tear' touches and connects

Stichting Korensound brought attention to Alzheimer's in a special way with the theater performance Met een lach en een traan. This unique theater piece consisted of skits, played by choir members, interspersed with moving poems, music by the choirs Youth 60+, Sanvoices and the Sound Singers, and beautiful ballads sung by Karin Goed.

The idea for this performance arose a year ago and became a reality thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of the choir members and the cooperation with CKC & partners. Despite the heavy theme, the afternoon-long performance managed to touch the audience with a mix of emotion and fun.

The proceeds from the performance were extraordinary: Korensound donated no less than €2,100 to both the Unforgettable Cooking Club and the Innkeeper. The conductor and organizer express their great thanks to all choir members whose efforts made this special project possible. With a smile and a tear will remain an unforgettable memory for many.

Theater dinners at the neighborhood restaurant - Scylla Theater Productions, Wijck, Music and Mind, Palet Welfare, Deployment and The Good Neighbor

6 sold-out evenings of theater, music and good food brought neighborhood residents in Zoetermeer closer together. During the Theaterdiners in the neighborhood restaurant, organized by Scylla Theaterproducties, Wijck, Music and Mind, Palet Welzijn, Inzet and De Goede Buur, visitors enjoyed a three-course meal and a unique cultural experience.

The theater dinners were approachable, humorous and interactive. Actors joined guests at the table, which created great conversations and allowed people to get to know each other better. Visitors listened to stories, thought along during improv scenes and sang along at the top of their voices with the live band. For many, this meant more than a night out. For example, a lady with Alzheimer's and her husband enjoyed a carefree evening, and several single people went home with new contacts.

This initiative, aimed at strengthening neighborhood connection and reducing loneliness, offered 240 residents an unforgettable experience. Professionals and volunteers from the cultural and social fields worked together to make these evenings a success.

Piet Hekker - Proef Zoetermeer Mobile brings city to life.

With the Proef Zoetermeer Mobile, Piet Hekker not only gained innovative insights into the participation process between the municipality and residents, but also showed how important a vibrant city is. The project highlights how inspiring initiatives - from culture to education to ecology - contribute to the well-being of the city and its residents.

Fieke Hordijk's art, atop the mobile installation, symbolizes the high-rise buildings and public space in Zoetermeer. It underlines how culture contributes to a healthy, recognizable and vibrant city where people feel at home. Piet began this project after participating in the City Festival 2023, where he transformed an empty store into a space to present his work as a city maker and entrepreneur. Here he engaged in conversation with residents about their vision for Zoetermeer.

The Proef Zoetermeer Mobile not only provided valuable feedback, but also inspiration to take the next step in the new year. A project that shows how important involvement and creativity are for the future of the city.

Presentation

On Wednesday, February 19, the Art and Culture Award and the Incentive Award will be presented in CKC & Partners. During the ceremony there will be a presentation of the nominees, followed by the exciting presentation by Alderman Wim Blansjaar. The ceremony starts at 19:30, admission is free and no reservations are necessary.

The Arts and Culture Award is an initiative of the Municipality of Zoetermeer.