Groninger museum director resigns after criticism of ‘woke’ policy
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The director of the Groninger Museum, sue-Anne van der Zijpp, is stepping down after criticism of her policy, which some labelled as ‘woke’. She will leave on 1 January 2025.
Van der Zijpp came under fire after the museum decided to add explanatory texts to artworks, providing context about colonialism and slavery. This led to accusations of rewriting history and imposing a specific ideological viewpoint.
The museum’s supervisory board initially supported Van der Zijpp, but has now acknowledged that the debate surrounding her policy has become too disruptive. “The discussion has become so polarised that it is hindering the museum’s core task: showing art and making it accessible to everyone,” the board stated.
Van der Zijpp herself expressed disappointment at the decision. “I am proud of what we have achieved in Groningen, but I also see that the current climate is making it arduous to continue,” she said.
The Groninger Museum has been at the center of controversy for some time. Earlier this year, a member of the supervisory board resigned in protest against the ‘woke’ policy. the debate also sparked a broader discussion about the role of museums in addressing sensitive ancient issues.
The supervisory board will now begin the search for a new director. They have stated that they are looking for someone who can bridge divides and restore a positive atmosphere within the museum.
Groningen’s ‘Concrete Forest’ Felling Halted Again Due to Protected Species
After less than three days, the province has stopped the controversial cap of the Betonbos in Groningen again. This happened after local residents had observed a number of protected animal species around the forest.
Local residents have seen squirrels and wood pigeons, says Jan van der Meide of the province of Groningen. “Our enforcer then went to the location. He did not observe the animals themselves, but decided to stop the work for the time being.”
The Betonbos is close to the center of Groningen and has arisen spontaneously in the last thirty years because more and more trees started to root on or between the concrete plates. in the meantime an area of around 16,000 square meters is full of adult trees.
Ecology
More than three years ago it was announced that the municipality wants to cut the forest, so that homes can be built. At the same time, there was the promise that “ecology” will play an crucial role even after the hood of the forest within the new, green city district of Stadshavens. Such as, groene Binnenhoven are planned between the houses.
But many local residents, nature lovers and the occasional action group Boomwachters Groningen oppose the hood.
Felling of ‘Betonbos’ Halted Again Following Protests and Further Examination
The controversial felling of the “Betonbos” (concrete forest) in the Netherlands has been halted again, this time pending further investigation by the province, following renewed protests. The forest, located in the province of Groningen, is slated for removal to make way for housing development by real estate developer VanWonen.
The situation has been fraught with opposition from environmental activists who argue the forest provides vital habitat. The initial felling was postponed in the spring due to the start of the breeding season, after at least three bird litters were observed, signaling the season had begun. https://www.rtvnoord.nl/natuur/1283009/demonstranten-houden-kap-betonbos-op-het-nippertje-tegen-broedseizoen-is-begonnen
Despite legal challenges, a judge ultimately ruled in favor of the felling, granting a complete environmental and felling permit on August 1st. https://www.rtvnoord.nl/natuur/1328999/rechter-veegt-alle-bezwaren-van-tafel-kap-van-betonbos-gaat-door
Felling work commenced on Monday,preceded by an ecologist’s inspection to ensure no active nests remained. however,the process was immediately disrupted by activists. Around a dozen protestors entered the forest overnight, climbing trees and obstructing the contractor’s machinery.police utilized a cherry-picker to remove the activists,arresting six individuals.https://www.rtvnoord.nl/112/1336662/zes-actievoerders-aangehouden-bij-protest-tegen-kap-betonbos
Work resumed briefly, but was halted again this afternoon. A spokesperson for the province stated that further follow-up research is being conducted, with the duration of the pause currently unknown. “We are now going to first conduct extra follow -up research. It is not yet clear how long that will take,” said Van der Meide. “When that research is completed, we can say more about how it goes.”