Finissage House of the Future II - Common Grounds

On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, we celebrated the finissage of House of the Future II – Common Grounds, the second chapter of OpenArtExchange’s exploration of the cities of tomorrow. The afternoon offered a special opportunity to experience the works of Souleymane Konaté, Michael Agemo, Feraul Fosso, Habibi Yayé Keita, and Kingsley Ogwara in person, and reflect on the exhibition’s central themes of social cohesion, community, and living together.

We were honored to welcome Rotterdam-South’s emerging spoken word artist Kenny Gomes, who delivered a powerful performance inspired by the exhibition. Kenny’s texts explored roots, heritage, and what connect us as humans, offering intimate insights into identity, resilience, and collective belonging. Inspired by his research into Cape Verdean history, Kenny also shared texts exploring memory and heritage processes, and the individual stories and identities that make up communities. Alongside the poetry, guests enjoyed lively conversations on how we can build together more equal and inclusive societies, accompanied by traditional Cape Verdean sweet bites, a perfect complement to the stories shared on stage.

The finissage captured the essence of the exhibition: how diversity can be a source of enrichment, how intimate stories intersect with broader societal narratives, and how future cities can be spaces that welcome everyone. Through art, poetry, and shared conversation, the afternoon offered a moment to reflect on what truly connects us as people and what heritage we wish to leave for generations to come.

As one chapter closes, the journey continues: the third and final chapter of House of the Future, Shaping Grounds, will open on Saturday, November 8th. Do not miss it!