The unexpected encounter

^{The unexpected encounter}

^{Manifesto Workshops Library}

^Dutch

Intro

Manifesto, educational program and library about the encounter and human connections.

Whether a brief moment of eye contact or the first meeting with the love of your life, every form of encounter is a mystery, because you never know ahead of time who you will meet or how you will meet them.

Using insights from writers, thinkers, and artists, this manifesto explores the role of ‘the (unexpected) encounter’ as an artistic and connective act.

About us

News

During ‘The Power of Poetry’ on April 18, 2026, the Human Poet Library at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam featured six Rotterdam-based poets who, in an experimental setting, exchanged new perspectives and unheard stories with visitors through intimate conversations.

Joran Koster is an educator at Verhalenhuis Belvédère and a teacher at the Willem de Kooning Academy. He uses the unexpected encounter methodology in all his classes, workshops, and educational programs.

Ellen Oosterwijk is a teacher, year coordinator, and researcher in the Fine Art & Design in Education program at Utrecht University of the Arts. Ellen is working to integrate encounters into the program's curriculum.

B’Emnet Tekleyohannes is an Educator and, as a mediator and teacher, works to bring together people with different perspectives and to help them find and value their own voice.

Contact

Would you like to make an addition or contribution? Please contact:

Joran Koster: mail / insta
Ellen Oosterwijk: mail

Newsletter: subscribe

Colophon

Text:
Joran Koster
Ellen Oosterwijk

Translation:
Colleen Higgins

Illustrations:
Hilde Speet

Partners