As lockdown continues, we're all missing those lovely Groningen moments of inevitably bumping into someone you know on the street rather than forcing ourselves to avoid one another.
But we've still got meaningful ways to stay connected to the each other, including our weekly Instagram Takeovers and Ask Me Anything sessions – if you’re interested in doing a takeover, let us know! And later this month, we'll be hosting another Gezellig Game Nights with our very own Groningen quiz, so keep an eye on our socials for more details.
We’re also pleased to announce that the Perceptions of World War II lecture, our collaboration with Studium Generale, is finally happening this month! This panel discussion promises to be a truly special evening, and you can find more info about it in our agenda below.
Meet the Dutch: Perceptions of World War II
21 April
Our perception of the past is dynamic, and the role of the Second World War in Dutch culture has been greatly influenced by its depictions in literature and films. But how have our narratives about WWII changed over the past 75 years?
Tom Wilcox will host a conversation with Frank van Vree, director of the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Lien de Jong, a Jewish war survivor and the main character of the award-winning book The Cut Out Girl; and David Stroband, art historian and visual arts instructor at Minerva Art Academy, about how the narratives surrounding WWII have evolved over time and how modern Dutch society collectively remembers the war.
This event is part of the Meet the Dutch series, which is a collaboration between City Central and Studium General looking beyond the stereotypes and better understanding Dutch culture through its reflections in film, music, literature and art.
Need to (re)learn how to bike with confidence? Sign up for one-on-one cycling lessons with FietsFriend!
During this Corona-proof session, one of our local cycling buddies will teach you all the basics, from how Dutch city bikes are made to how to balance, brake, and ultimately cycle comfortably on your own.
Contact us to schedule your personal lesson!
City Central Book Club: "Migrations"
28 April
In honour of Earth Day (22 April), the Book Club has picked the climate fiction novel “Migrations” by Charlotte McConaghy for this month’s read.
It’s the story of a young woman on a journey to Greenland following Arctic terns on what might be their final migration to Antarctica, and coming to terms with a dark past that is catching up with her.
Both of these beautiful postcard sets are like a much welcome ray of sunshine: Anne Stalinski's designs feature ten different faces with a fresh, spring-ready colour palette, and the Op de Kaert set is a series of summer scenes from the Groninger Archives, with views of the Papiermolen, Vismarkt and a typical Groningen café.
Anne Stalinski will also be doing a Takeover Tuesday on our Instagram account on 16 April, so be sure to follow us there to get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process!
Would you like to play an active role in the energy transition in the north? Find out more about this professional field during the Meet Your Future in Energy networking fair.
The next Make it in the North digital career event will include masterclasses, presentations by regional energy companies, “speed dates” with employers, and - most importantly – local opportunities for work, internships and traineeships.
Time: 15:00 to 17:00 Location: Online Cost: free
Connect International's
Online Events
Throughout April
Connect International has great activities this month, from learning more about Chinese culture to practicing your Dutch and finding your moment of zen:
• Getting to know Chinese culture
2 April at 12:30
• Dutch Conversation Fun
Level A1: 10:30 on Thursdays
Level B1/B2: 12:45 on Mondays
Groningen’s English-speaking improv comedy troupe Stranger Things Have Happened has built their very own interactive 8-bit comedy club to host their weekly Monday night jams.
The show is free and sells out fast each week, so keep an eye out and be sure to reserve your ticket as soon as the registration goes live!
Time: 21:00 Location: Online Cost: Free
Groningen Beer Festival
15 - 17 April
Yes, even the Groningen Beer Festival has made the transition online, complete with master classes on sour and artisanal beers - and whiskey!
But don’t worry – you can still sample all the featured domestic and international brews from the comfort of your own home: beer packages (from 4 to 40 beers) and borrel boxes are available for pick up or delivery.
Location: Online Cost: Packages start at €13.59
Master classes: €31.09
The Rolling Stones: Unzipped at the Groninger Museum has been extended – and even though the museum will remain closed for the coming weeks, you can still check out the entire exhibit online in 360 degree detail.
Visitors to the digital version of the exhibit will also have access to exclusive videos only available online, and will be entered into a drawing to win prizes autographed by Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood.
Time: Ongoing Location: Online Cost: €9.50
From Bach to Bowie: Musical City Walk
Ongoing
Performing arts organisation SPOT has created a multimedia walking tour through Groningen: From Bach to Bowie. Immerse yourself in four centuries of musical history at significant locations through colorful stories and musical fragments.
You can start the walk anywhere along the route, anytime you want. So grab your phone and your ear buds, and hit the road! Please note: the virtual tour guide audio is in Dutch.
What has your experience of living in Groningen has been like? Would you like to share your story and your favorite hidden gems in the city with internationals who are new in town?
As part of the Become a Virtual Groninger game, Groningen.nl wants to feature profiles of more international students and young professionals in the city. Click the link below if you’d like to get involved!
Be a part of
Noorderzon
How does speaking a second language in your daily life affect you? What words from your native tongue do you find yourself missing when you speak Dutch?
Australian-Sri Lankan artist Ahilan Ratnamohan is looking for non-native Dutch speakers (aged 16 and older) for a project about language for the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival this autumn.
