Monument to the Gastarbeider (2013), Hans van Bentem - photo Max Dereta

Opening

10/11/2013
25 Afrikaanderplein, Rotterdam

Monument for the guest worker


On Sunday 10 November from 13.00, the Monument to the Guest Worker of Hans van Bentem on Afrikaanderplein in Rotterdam South is unveiled. Since the development of this part of the city (from the end of the 19 century) it was an area where labor migrants landed: initially from, among others, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland and later from the countries from which guest workers were contracted: Spain, Turkey, (former) Yugoslavia , Portugal, Morocco, Greece and Italy. Following the unveiling of this new monument at Feijenoord, the Center for Visual Arts Rotterdam compiled a walking map - 'Feijenoord Monumental' - that focuses on the themes of work, port and migration. This card is also presented on November 10.

The monument
The Monument for the guest worker, which was created on the initiative of children of the first generation of guest workers, is the only monument in the Netherlands that expresses appreciation towards guest workers who came to the Netherlands in the 60 years. On the one hand, the monument is intended as thanks for the contribution they made in the Netherlands to the reconstruction after the Second World War. On the other hand, there is a strong desire among the initiators to close a period in history.

Feijenoord Monumental
During the opening ceremony on November 10, the new Feijenoord Monumental walking map will be presented with a route through Feijenoord along various statues and monuments on the theme of work and migration. Images with titles such as De Lastdrager, Dijkwerkers, De Roeiers and Ketelbinkie express the nature of this glorious district in Rotterdam South. The Monument for the guest worker is part of this collection of monuments. The card was issued by the Rotterdam Center for Visual Arts.

The unveiling
Around the unveiling is an extensive program with various performances, presentations and activities. Various invited guests will take the floor, including representatives from the seven nationalities and MEP Emine Bozkurt. The ambassadors of the emigrant countries will also be present. You are very welcome to witness this special moment and to participate in the festive activities.

Program:
13.00:14.30 pm - XNUMX:XNUMX pm live music | photo exhibition | children activities
14.30 pm - 14.45 pm speeches | recitation of poems | spoken word
14.45 - 15.00 official unveiling of the monument
15.00pm - 16.00pm live music | snacks / drinks

More information

The monument is produced by Zuliani art and terrazo BV