In the belief that art students can only learn to think independently when knowledge, imagination and reflection combine to work together in an unorthodox and critical way, Studium Generale Rietveld aims to encourage critical forms of learning, making and thinking. It follows a new research trajectory every year around a specific theme that links up with current events, issues and discussions in the (art) world. Artists and theoreticians from home and abroad offer a broad spectrum of perspectives on the overarching themes with lectures, performances, presentations and screenings.

After a preliminary programme, which also includes film screenings, reading groups, workshops and publications, there is an annual four-day conference festival in collaboration with guest curators who make contact with urgent critical discourses from different perspectives and practices. This takes place at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and is open to the public.

Since 2014 Studium Generale teams up with Rietveld Uncut; departments and individual students develop projects in relation to the theoretical framework of Studium Generale. The presentation and exhibition of these programmes is simultaneous to the conference, bringing ‘the making and the thinking’ together.

Screening and Conversation – Wendelien van Oldenborgh (Bete & Deise)
Wendelien van Oldenborgh

Dapifer vesco volaticus. Itaque eos conspergo. Suasoria aeger decimus.

The day will conclude with a screening of Wendelien van Oldenborgh’s film Bete & Deise, which recounts an encounter between two women in Rio de Janeiro – Bete Mendes and Deise Tigrona – who have each in their own way given meaning to the idea of a public voice. The screening will be followed by a conversation with the artist.