Create an ode
Create an ode and enrich the story!
Do you also find it strange that women are so invisible in the story of Amsterdam? The Amsterdam Museum thinks it's high time to change this with you. Write an ode to a woman who has meant something to Amsterdam and enrich the story! This ode will become part of the Amsterdam Museum's collection. From the most extraordinary contributions we will make an exhibition, a book and a podcast, among other things!
The earlier you submit your ode, the greater the chance that it will be included in the exhibition, book or podcast. If you hand in your ode after September 2024, the ode will not be included in the exhibition. It will also be a bit tight for the podcast and the book. Your ode will always be published on the platform and added to our collection.
Read the step-by-step plan below for creating an ode or go directly to the form to submit your ode.
Here you can see a silhouette of a person with text written in it, the figure is coloured blue
Here you can see a silhouette of a person with text written in it, the figure is coloured yellow.
1 Read the rules
- Anyone may make an ode, no matter how you identify/not just those who identify as women.
- The form is up to you: written words, a video, an audio message; type a letter or write it by hand, interview your aunt and turn it into a video or write a poem.
- You may write a letter to any woman* who made the city what it is today. Known or unknown, from the mayor to your neighbour. And both from the past and the present.
- In your ode, the link to Amsterdam is important. Women who lived in Amsterdam, made this city in one way or another or contributed to it. This could also be your Turkish grandmother, for example, who has never been to Amsterdam herself but who helped shape your life in this city.
- Are you paying tribute to someone you know? Ask permission beforehand to share her story.
You may praise someone, but certainly also criticise them. Please note: offensive and insulting odes will not be posted. See terms and conditions.
*Everyone who identifies with being a woman, gender diverse or has played a role in women's emancipation is eligible for an ode.
Grandma Corrie works and lives in Amsterdam, 2008 Riek Milikowski-de Raat, Amsterdam Museum collection
2 Choose a woman
Who really shouldn't be missing in this story? A woman who lived in, built and cared for Amsterdam and its people. A few centuries ago or just last month. A woman who arrived here from far away or from nearby, a woman who inspires you and deserves a stage. Check out the inspiration page to get ideas.
- We are looking for stories about well-known, but also unknown women who have a connection with Amsterdam. Women who live on in the memories of today's Amsterdammers or women who remained invisible because they worked or cared in the shadows. A woman who represents Amsterdam for you.
- We welcome odes to anyone who identifies with being a woman, a gender diverse variant or has played a role in the emancipation of women.
- We consider the link to Amsterdam an important part of the ode. Think of women who have lived in Amsterdam, helped shape the city or contributed in another way. For example, this could be your Turkish grandmother, who never lived in Amsterdam, but supports your life in the city.
Unsure about your choice or ode? Contact us at info.ode@amsterdammuseum.nl.
Major Bosshardt, by unknown photographer, undated (Spaarnestad Photo)
3 Create an ode
Tips
- The form of your ode is up to you. Think of a letter, a video, an audio message, an illustration; anything is welcome. Write a letter (suggestion: minimum 350 words, maximum 3,000 words), engage in a video interview (suggestion: maximum 15 minutes) or create a poem. You can check out the odes on the site to get ideas
- Address your story to the person you are telling something about. Engage with this woman through a letter or a video.
- Is the person you are making your ode about alive? Make sure you get permission from her to publish your ode. Consider recording a conversation and turn this into your ode.
Useful questions while making your ode
- In what way does this woman remind you of Amsterdam?
- What contribution has she made to the city?
- What Amsterdam value does she stand for?
- How is she typically of Amsterdam?
- Why and how does she inspire you?
- How does her life carry on in your life?
- Why do you want to put this woman in the spotlight?
- Why should she not be forgotten?
- Why does this woman deserve an ode?
Make your ode extra attractive
- Create or find images, video or sound to illustrate your ode.
- Are you using existing material? Then make sure you know you have the rights. If necessary, read the terms and conditions of the site where you download files.
Portrait of Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken (1721-1789), drawn by H Pothoven in 1771 engraved by Reinier Vinkeles in 1792 from De waare geluksbedeeling, Wikipedia
4 Submit your ode
Before you start, you will need your ode in a form that you can upload. In addition, you should keep the other files you want to use for illustration on hand because we ask you to upload these too. We also ask for links to files that are on the web.
If your ode is addressed to a person who is still alive or if you use images, sound or video of someone else we expect you to make sure you have permission to use them. Tip: the images on Wikipedia can be used without asking permission.
We also ask you for a motivation as to why you are making the ode.
The questions in a row:
- Name and email address. We will use your e-mail address to ask questions and to let you know that your ode has been posted.
- How you want to be called on the online environment (you can also remain anonymous)
- For whom you make your ode
- Upload your ode
- Additional files for illustration
- Any links to files on the web (e.g. YouTube or Vimeo)
- A motivation as to why this woman should be added to the story of Amsterdam