We’re happy to announce that the selection process of the artists for CONTESTED DESIRES: Constructive Dialogues is now complete!
After careful consideration, we are excited to reveal that The Netherlands-based Charmaine de Heij and Sithabile Mlotshwa will take part in the CDCD journeys.
We received many exceptional applications from talented visual artists. The diversity and quality of submissions truly exemplify the rich tapestry of artistic talent within our global community.
Creative Court, Stichting H401 and Kunstfort Vijfhuizen are proud to present to you:
Charmaine de Heij is a photographer based in The Hague and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Photography and a Master’s degree in Photography and Society from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Her artistic practice is deeply influenced by her Surinamese and Dutch heritage, with a particular focus on colonialism and its lasting effects. Photography is central to Charmaine’s work, but archives are also often used as a foundation. She reinterprets historical photographs and uses this method as a way of decolonising the archives.
When I first saw the open call, it felt like a dream! As an artist who is passionate about shedding light on the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary society, this programme fits perfectly with my research and artistic practice. I believe it is crucial to continually learn and acquire new knowledge, and this opportunity offers that.
Mi Sabi and Nyun Tori ©Charmaine de Heij
Sithabile Mlotshwa (Zimbabwe, b. 1975) is a Visual Artist and Curator based in the Netherlands. Notable exhibitions include: “The World Made Wondrous: Dutch Collector’s Cabinet and the Politics of Possession” at LACMA, “War and Conflict” Refresh Biennale, Amsterdam Museum, Golden Coach, (Gouden Koerts), Amsterdam Museum, UNITED NATIONS “Cultural Identity and Ownership: Reshaping Mindsets”, Prête-moi Ton Rêve, at Musée des cultures Contemporaines Adama Toungara d’Abobo, Abidjan, Biennale of Casablanca in Morocco, KUNST aus Zimbabwe – KUNST in Zimbabwe, Museum of Bayreuth, Germany, Coming of Age, at Museum of Aschaffenburg in Germany, a commission for Kelvingrove Museums and Galleries in Glasgow, Scotland.
Built on the destruction of other peoples bodies ©Sithabile Mlotswha
My artistic practice centers on creating spaces for reflection, dialogue, and healing around historical and contemporary colonial issues. This residency aligns perfectly with my goals, as it emphasizes fostering constructive dialogues about contested histories and cultural identities. I’m passionate about using my art to bridge cultural divides, challenge dominant narratives, and promote understanding among diverse communities.
CDCD Artists in Residency – 2026
In 2026, we will have the pleasure to host for a two-week group residency: Elisabeth Efua Sutherland (GH), Emiddio Vasquez (CY), and Mohamed Ben Slama (TN).
For updates and insights into the CDCD project, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
We look forward to exploring and confronting the narratives of our shared colonial past through the power of contemporary art.
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CONTESTED DESIRES: Constructive Dialogues is an EU-funded project