Rose Touré: curating Black spaces through feminist theory in Amsterdam
CULTURAL PRODUCER & NAORI SPACE FOUNDER, BASED IN AMSTERDAM
THE READERS
I had the privilege of meeting Rose, a curator, cultural producer, and visual artist who recently moved from Brooklyn to Amsterdam.
After a background in media and production, she moved into the arts and cultural sector, where Rose developed a keen interest and skill in curating black spaces influenced by black feminist theory.
Rose recognizes that historically, Black women have been marginalized and subjected to discrimination and oppression, and she is committed to providing a nurturing environment where they can express themselves freely, share their stories, and connect with like-minded individuals.
She finds inspiration in the everyday experiences of Black women, such as mothers, grandmothers, and aunts, by acknowledging their invaluable lessons of ingenuity, creativity, and challenge.
Her calling is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences Black women face in society.
And lies in creating a community and safe space for Black women through her NAORI project.
NAORI is a borderless community focused on growth, healing and creativity. It is a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and idea exchange, creating opportunities for personal and professional development.
Each month, NAORI hosts shared experiences, conversations, presentations and creative workshops rooted in Afro-diasporic narratives. While Rose prioritizes the perspectives of women and non-binary people, she invites anyone interested in fostering creativity, introspection and growth to participate.
Her project sets her apart with her unwavering commitment to integrating Black knowledge, cultural history, and creative traditions into NAORI's programs. From imaginative explorations to body practices, Rose ensures that each experience reflects the richness and diversity of Black culture.
Her goal is to elevate and celebrate the voices of Black women, focusing on their stories and providing a nurturing environment. She strives to create a sense of belonging and empowerment and believes in creating a community where Black women feel valued, supported and empowered to shape their own futures.
To better understand Rose's interests and influences, here are a few books that have deeply guided her spiritually over the past few years, allowing her to understand her strengths, needs and empowerment as an African woman in the diaspora.
1.The African Lookbook, Catherine McKinley
After decades of collecting and archiving, Catherine McKinley is giving their flowers to the African women whose unwavering resistance and self definition have been overlooked through the last century. These women embraced their practice of adornment as a way for self-expression, to affirm and preserve their sense of self. Combining the history of African Fashion&Photography, Catherine McKinley highlights how African women challenged the colonial gaze and impacted local economies, creating more opportunities for financial emancipation for women in the region.
2. All About Love, bell hooks
This book transformed my understanding of love, relationships and community; bell hooks taught me how to think of love as a spiritual practice. I recommend this book for anyone seeking a healthy understanding of belonging and the importance of inner work for both our intimate and collective lives.
3. Life I swear, Chloe Dulce-Louvouevo
I love this creative non-fiction with beautifully illustrated real life stories and wisdom from contemporary Black women on the healing journey. Women breaking the mold and embracing radical growth is such an active inspiration to cultivating a reality that centers our well-being.