House Of Narratives' collaboration on the first non-institutional archive in the Netherlands exploring untold stories within the history of hip hop and urban performance arts from the 1960s to the present.
RAN Archives signifies the birth of the first interdisciplinary and non-institutional archive in the Netherlands, founded from the unique perspectives and interests of both the creative makers of the past and those of the present. The project is a collaborative effort involving RIGHTABOUTNOW Inc. (RAN), which owns and manages valuable archives of multicultural theater in the Netherlands, Podiumkunst.net, a platform focusing on Dutch performing arts, the Allard Pierson museum, professor Charles Jeurgens of the Nationaal Archief and House Of Narrative in shaping this archival venture.
The RAN Archives go way beyond just storing old records: they're full of fascinating stories. This initiative aims to spotlight the growing acknowledgment of the need to tell new stories about the vibrant history of music and theater in the Netherlands, starting from the 1960s up to today. It gives us a unique glimpse into how hip hop and multiculturalism gradually became important parts of Dutch art. While we're used to seeing diverse voices in Dutch culture today, it wasn't always the case. Our culture wasn’t that diverse in the twentieth century. This archive holds the creative legacies of those who fought for diversity in our culture when it wasn't as diverse as it is now. It sheds light on the heritage of production houses and companies that have been essential havens for artists with migrant backgrounds and pushed culture out of its boundaries at the time.
Historians base their efforts on material out there. If materials are not available, they can’t write history that does justice to all the richness that happened in the past. This is why it is so important new materials come available. The materials provide a chance to showcase productions and artists that played a crucial role in shaping the Dutch cultural narrative. The RAN Archives opens a window to bygone eras, encouraging fresh perspectives on the artistic evolution in the Netherlands. All of these efforts contribute to anchoring a diverse range of voices in our cultural world and a deeper understanding of the ever-changing cultural landscape, something that hasn't been thoroughly explored by Dutch historians for a long time.
The foundation of this archive is built upon materials meticulously preserved by the urban performing arts collective RIGHTABOUTNOW Inc. They rescued a trove of materials spanning from the 1960s to 2010, originally amassed by hip hop, music, and art collectives, preventing them from being discarded. These materials encapsulate the essence and evolution of the Dutch arts scene, chronicling everything from the lively club culture of the '90s to the emergence of hip hop. The collection is both diverse and captivating, comprising extensive photo albums, personal diaries, educational materials, striking graphic designs, scripts, correspondence, and a variety of records. Notably, it even houses complete DJ software systems, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the intricacies of the music industry. Beyond national treasures from the Netherlands, the archives also showcase valuable international contributions, making it a rich and expansive resource for understanding the cultural tapestry of that era. Presently housed in boxes, these treasures are soon to be digitized, making them accessible both on screens and online.
The RAN Archives house several noteworthy collections, each providing a distinctive perspective on the Dutch performing arts scene. One standout collection is the Rufus Collins Personal Archive, covering the years 1960 to 1996. This compilation offers an in-depth exploration of Collins' life, both personal and professional, unveiling his significant contributions to the performing arts in the Netherlands. Another notable collection is the De Nieuw Amsterdam archive, spanning from 1982 to 2011, documenting the growth and impact of this esteemed theater company and its pivotal role in shaping the Dutch arts landscape. The Cosmic Illusion archive, spanning from 1983 to 2009, captures the creative journey of this unique artistic group known for its innovative contributions to the Dutch arts community. The ongoing Made in Da Shade collection, initiated in 1992, celebrates the lasting legacy of this group in pioneering performances and productions, tracking its continuous evolution and influential role in the performing arts sector. The MC collection, covering 2009 to 2015, provides insights into a crucial period in modern choreography and dance, highlighting significant developments and achievements. Lastly, the Right About Now Inc. collection, from 2013 onwards, documents the contemporary performing arts house's endeavors, showcasing its ongoing innovation and influence in current artistic movements. Each of these collections adds a valuable layer to our understanding of the dynamic and evolving landscape of Dutch urban performing arts.
What makes the RAN Archives truly unique is its dedication to digitization for the purpose of creative expression. In the digital age, where information is at our fingertips, traditional archives often seem like relics of the past, misunderstood and underutilized by younger generations. Traditionally, archives have been perceived as static repositories of historical documents - valuable for researchers and historians, but distant and somewhat irrelevant to the everyday lives and creative pursuits of younger people. This disconnect stems partly from a lack of awareness about the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that archives hold, as well as the perceived complexity in accessing and utilizing these resources.
The RAN Archives, however, are set to change this narrative, transforming the very concept of what an archive can be. It challenges traditional approaches to history, culture, and archiving by actively bridging the gap between archival preservation and the creative process. Envisioned as a living, evolving entity, the RAN Archives aim to inspire young creators and researchers. Unlike conventional archival institutions, the RAN Archives, initiated by a music and theatre production house, stands out as a dynamic and living archive. This commitment goes beyond merely preserving cultural heritage: it ensures that this wealth of material is readily available and accessible to a wider audience, particularly to a younger generation keen on using it for creative endeavors such as music, theatre, and art.
Another important commitment is its inclusive approach to archiving. For decades, Dutch archives, guardians of the past, have been critiqued for their Eurocentric narratives that often overshadowed the voices of colonized communities. These traditional archives, filled with colonial descriptions, have perpetuated a one-sided historical perspective. The National Archives of the Netherlands, for example, faced scrutiny for its handling of records from the colonial era, particularly those from Indonesia and Suriname, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to archiving. As the world grapples with its colonial legacies, the RAN Archives stand as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive history-keeping, committed to representing diverse cultural perspectives and terminologies in its metadata standards. This inclusive approach addresses the shortcomings of traditional archives that often contain colonial descriptions lacking respect for diverse cultures.
THE PROJECT
Initiated in 2023 and continually evolving, the RAN Archives mark a pivotal move in acknowledging and safeguarding the varied musical and theatrical traditions of the Netherlands. This pioneering project, a first in its domain, stands as a source of inspiration, education, and cultural enrichment. It is dedicated to celebrating and perpetuating the rich legacy of Dutch hip hop and performing arts for future generations. In its initial phase, House Of Narrative played part in crafting the archival plan, organizing and categorizing the materials chronologically, establishing guidelines for detailed descriptions and creating a branding and communication plan. Our ongoing involvement includes delving deeper into the archives to craft comprehensive narratives that bring to life this significant segment of Dutch cultural heritage, which you will find on this page and in RAN Stories.
A commissioned article on how what many consider the oldest concert hall in the world connects with new audiences.
On the content production featuring regenerative architectural practices in Rotterdam, a collaboration between Sabine van der Vooren, the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam and House of Narrative.
House Of Narrative and Alastair Parvin reflecting on the 11th IABR edition closing.
