One question project: Sandra Roberts
Can you share your insights on the unique challenges and opportunities you've encountered while navigating bicultural communities in Amsterdam within the context of your role in event production?
Navigating bicultural communities as an event specialist presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities that I've come to appreciate deeply.
My journey begins with acknowledging my own bicultural identity as a privilege. This multifaceted heritage fuels my passion for creating event experiences that celebrate a multitude of cultures and narratives. The essence of bicultural communities lies in their diversity—a beautiful mosaic of identities and histories that I strive to weave into the fabric of every event.
Producing events that focus on bicultural communities comes with many opportunities for learning and growth. For the past three years, I've had the privilege of leading events at Omek, an organization deeply committed to nurturing biculturals and fostering their development, both professionally and personally.
One of the things I love about Omek is that it brings together individuals who recognize themselves under the term “bicultural of African descent” and their allies. This terminology is not just a label; it's a source of unity and strength, creating a profound sense of belonging among its members. But in this approach, Omek also strives to create a balance between this collective identity and the celebration of individual experiences.
Take, for instance, the contrasting lives of a Portuguese-Guinean and a Slovakian-Congolese individual, each born and raised in different parts of the world. Their backgrounds and stories might differ significantly, but their shared African ancestry forms a common ground—a safe space of mutual understanding and learning. This environment, fostered by Omek, allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives while honouring a shared heritage, which I find beautiful.
One challenge I have become more aware of through time is ensuring that intersectionality is taken into account when designing the event. Recognizing the multifaceted identities that go beyond culture—such as gender, socioeconomic background, and sexual orientation—is essential to me. Therefore, I do my best to more intentionally create spaces that respect and celebrate these intersections, ensuring inclusivity at every level.
While I proudly carry my bicultural identity into all aspects of my work, navigating monocultural environments poses its own set of challenges. These spaces can sometimes feel less adaptable, providing fewer tools for creative engagement. Yet, this also inspires me to introduce the bicultural perspective I value, influencing these environments in positive and transformative ways.
Engaging with bicultural communities through events is an ongoing narrative of learning, growth, and embracing diversity. I am grateful for all the people I've met through my journey, who have opened doors for me and helped me grow in my practice.
About Sandra:
I am Sandra, born and raised in France, of Caribbean descent and living in the Netherlands since 2015. I work as a freelance creative event producer and am passionate about dancing which leads me to do more and more performances next to my work.