13 June 2026, 13:30 - 17:00
Basecamp Theories: Gloria Wekker
seminar & deepdive
hosted by Nancy Jouwe, Mikki Stelder and Chandra Frank
As part of Black Presence in Utrecht
Drawing forward from Edward Said’s notion of the cultural archive, Wekker considers how Dutch imperialism continues to bear on race, sexuality and gender relations. Prompted by her recent publication, this Basecamp Theories is a timely reflection on how, with whom and with which theories, we can develop queer and feminist understandings of race and diaspora in the Netherlands today.
Some of the discussion points include:
· the workings of whiteness and the notion of the cultural archive
· co-creation of knowledge as a feminist praxis
· diasporic identities in relation to whiteness, colonialism and liberation
Basecamp Theories is open for everyone but has limited spots. To register, please fill in the form here. Note that we ask that you submit a short written or video motivation explaining how Gloria Wekker’s work and/or the themes of this Basecamp Theories connect to your current activism, organizing, research or study. This does not have to be overly formal! We are looking for engagement, curiosity and commitment. If you want to send a video, please email it to: joining@bakonline.org
If you are invited to participate, we suggest a sliding scale donation between €8 and €25. You will also need to read at least one of Gloria Wekker’s texts from a set reading list.
Plan for the day
13:30 – 14:00 Walk-in with soup
14:00 – 14:15 Welcome from Nancy Jouwe, Chandra Frank, Mikki Stelder
14:15 – 14:45 Input from Gloria Wekker
14:45 – 15:45 Discussion circles
15:45 – 16:00 Break
16:00 – 16:30 Plenary
16:30 – 17:00 Borrel
About Basecamp Theories
Basecamp Theories is a series of intensive studies grounded in the Basecamp’s ongoing unbuilding and rebuilding of cultural infrastructures. Each seminar invites a theorist with expertise in materially-grounded, emancipatory democratic practices and models of the past, present or future. Together, we will deep dive, close read and co-theorize around their proposed practices and models. This seminar series offers tactical imaginaries, shared strategies, and tools for resisting, so that we can go beyond simply being “anti-fascist” and begin to practice and build real alternatives.
About Gloria Wekker
Gloria Wekker is Emeritus Professor of Gender and Ethnicity at Utrecht University. She is the author of White Innocence, published by Duke University Press, as well as The Politics of Passion.
About Nancy Jouwe, Chandra Frank and Mikki Stelder
Nancy Jouwe is a cultural historian and an independent researcher, writer and curator. Chandra Frank is Assistant Professor of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies and the 2024–2027 Taft Professor of the Public Humanities at the University of Cincinnati. Mikki Stelder is Assistant Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Amsterdam.
