Programma's van twee cabaretvoorstellingen verzorgd door leden van het COC afdeling Den Haag

These cabaret programmes were made by members of the COC in Den Haag, a Dutch LGBTQ+ rights organization, with ink on paper. There's something powerful about these unassuming sheets. Look closely, and you'll notice the careful arrangement of text, the way the type is set, like a carefully constructed painting. For me, art is always about the process of making, the decisions made along the way, and the ideas that emerge from the doing. Here, the physical quality of the paper is key; thin, almost translucent. It’s worn and folded, carrying the weight of history. You can see the layers of ink, the way the text is aligned, each choice telling a story of activism, community, and creative expression. The word "PROTEST" is visible on one of the pages, and it vibrates with energy. It's amazing to think about the conversations, debates, and shared experiences that these programmes represent. Thinking about the wider history of activism, I can’t help but remember the riot grrrl zines of the 90s, another example of the power of DIY culture. Just like those zines, these programmes are a testament to the importance of art as a form of communication.