Museumnacht 2026

Art & Mental Health Talk | 20:00 - 21:45
Artist Mabel Blokzijl, singer-songwriter Naaz, journalist and philosopher Lena Bril, and MIND Us youth ambassadors Imani and Rania come together for a conversation on how art can contribute to mental wellbeing.

Mabel Blokzijl's work is currently on view in No Need To Pretend. A recent graduate of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, her contemporary nude portraits explore themes of intimacy, identity, and the power dynamics that shape how we view ourselves and others.

Naaz is a Dutch-Kurdish singer, songwriter, and director. Raised in Rotterdam by parents who fled Iraq during the Gulf War, she first gained national attention through her audition for Holland's Got Talent in 2014. Naaz speaks openly about her experiences with mental health and has become an inspiring role model for young people facing similar challenges. During the talk, she will reflect on these experiences in more depth.

As a journalist and philosopher, Lena Bril is fascinated by the struggles of contemporary life and specialises in mental health. She writes essays for de Volkskrant and De Groene Amsterdammer on topics including modern masculinity, therapy language, and contemporary etiquette. Her first book, In Therapy, will be published this September and explores the question: why are so many people seeking support from coaches and therapists?

MIND Us youth ambassadors Imani and Rania will also join the conversation. Imani will speak about the development of the No Need To Pretend exhibition and how young people were involved in scouting and selecting the artworks. Drawing from her own experiences, Rania will share why it is so important to keep the conversation around mental health alive.

The talk will be held in Dutch.
 

Create a Little Monster with ARTHOOD Collective | 19:00 - 22:00
We've all done it: pretending we're fine when we're tired, appearing confident when we're full of doubt, or hiding parts of ourselves to fit in. But what if you could give that hidden side of yourself a face?

During Museumnacht, ARTHOOD Collective invites you to join a creative workshop table and transform your inner overthinker, people-pleaser, or other hidden creature into a Little Monster keychain.

Using colourful stickers and markers, you'll create your own character, give it a name, and invite someone else to add their touch. Afterwards, you'll take your creation home as a reminder of the parts of ourselves we don't always show to the outside world.

The workshop table is also a space for open conversations about mental wellbeing, the pressure to present ourselves differently, and the things that help us stay true to who we are. There are no right or wrong answers, no creative skills are required, and there's no need to share anything personal. It's simply an invitation to pause, connect with others, and reflect on the difference between what we feel inside and what we choose to show the world. Take a seat, get creative, start a conversation, and make space for your Little Monster.

ARTHOOD Collective
ARTHOOD brings together creative makers to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and continue learning from one another. Their work focuses on social themes connected to mental wellbeing, including loneliness, individualism, and identity. Together with their community and fellow creators, they explore the role of creativity, empathy, and vulnerability in addressing these important topics.