ICAF NWE MKRS Part 2 event will be taking place on Thursday 30th October* from 19-22h at Podium Islemunda, Rotterdam.
NWE MKRS is an annual event that connects, inspires, celebrates and gives a stage to young community arts talents from the Netherlands. For 2025 we are delighted to have Sophie Polhuis as our ICAF NWE MKR, who is graduating from Fontys Academy of the Arts with her project “Care Duty” as a teaching theatre maker.
After years of working as a youth care worker, Sophie returns to her former field from the perspective of a theatre maker. Together with a diverse group of Rotterdam care workers, she explores the motivations, tensions, and vulnerabilities of people in care. More information about “Care Duty” can be found here.
In conversation with James Thompson
The performance will be situated as part of a wider conversation facilitated by James Thompson, Professor of Applied and Social Theatre at the University of Manchester. After years of research on art in war and disaster zones, James is now exploring the relationship between art and care. In his most recent book Care Aesthetics (2022) he examines the work of carer artists and artist carers to make the case for the importance of valuing and supporting aesthetically caring relations across multiple aspects of our lives.
His perspective radically challenges the definition of art. And this is precisely what is crucial for the community arts sector. During this conversation, James will share his findings, and we will engage in a discussion between him, Sophie, her performing group, and the audience on this topic.
We very much look forward to seeing you on the evening.
🗓️ Thursday 30 Oct | 19:00–22:00
📍 Podium Islemunda, Rotterdam
🎟️ Pay-what-you-can tickets available now: https://www.rotterdamswijktheater.nl/project/nwe-mkrs-festival-ruimte-voor-zorg/
Please note that the “Care Duty” will be presented in Dutch language. The conversation with James Thompson will be facilitated in English language.
*In our newsletter sent out on 16.10.25, two different dates were communicated for the event. We can confirm that ICAF NWE MKRS Part 2 Festival will take place on Thursday 30th October, 2025. We apologise for any confusion caused.
