The Van Gogh Museum and the Samen Sterk met Werk alliance are joining forces on the creative programme I am Jo! The results of this programme will be presented at the museum in the summer of 2025. I am Jo! is part of the celebrations marking Amsterdam’s 750th birthday.
I am Jo! is a programme of, by and for Amsterdam women. During this creative empowerment programme, participants will boost their independence and resilience through the exchange of skills and knowledge.
Jo van Gogh-Bonger was a highly independent and enterprising woman, and it is her story that forms the point of departure for the developing stories of these modern-day women.
Jo van Gogh-Bonger was Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law; she was married to his brother Theo. The brothers died unexpectedly and shortly after each other, leaving Jo as a single mother. From 1891 onwards, she dedicated her life to Vincent’s art and legacy.
Jo played a pivotal role in promoting and popularising Van Gogh’s art, and was therefore ultimately also key to the foundation of the Van Gogh Museum in 1973. With her choices, she was well ahead of her time.
In the spirit of Jo, some 150 women will explore their talent, creativity and identity. Prompted by important themes in Jo’s life, such as her perseverance, family ties and entrepreneurship, the project aims to inspire participants and help them shape their own story. Throughout the programme, the women will create new perspectives for themselves.
I am Jo! gives women a voice in a number of ways. What that will look like? The details are still getting worked out. The precise framework and substance of the programme will be developed in co-creation with women from different women’s networks in Amsterdam.
What is certain is that the first women will start in October 2024, around the time of the launch of the Amsterdam 750 anniversary year. The second group will start in spring 2025. The results of the programme will be presented at the museum in the summer of 2025, and a travelling presentation will visit each of the Amsterdam city districts.
We will celebrate International Women’s Day together on 8 March 2025, and on 2 September 2025, we will commemorate the centenary of Jo van Gogh-Bonger’s death.
Would you like to contribute to or participate in I am Jo!, or do you have a question? Contact the project lead, Manon Moussa-Roodenburg.
The Samen Sterk met Werk alliance comprises five organisations from all around Amsterdam:
This project is part of the celebrations marking Amsterdam’s 750th birthday, and is financially supported by the City of Amsterdam.