Of her appointment, Van Brederode said: "As Vrije Schrijver (Writer-in-Residence), I chose the theme of play drive: a force that lies between our physical-emotional and intellectual-moral impulses. According to the poet, playwright, and thinker Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805), it is play that truly makes us human—sensitive, imaginative, free. Instead of 'either/or' not merely 'and/and,' but a lively, dynamic middle ground that we must continue to create ourselves. How? That is what I hope to explore this year together with others. Sensory, imaginative. Inspired, spirited, with passion!" said Van Brederode about her appointment.
Eighteenth
Van Brederode is the eighteenth Writer in Residence at the VU, succeeding Nina Polak and previous writers such as Arnon Grunberg, Bas Heijne, Maxim Februari, Ernest van der Kwast, Ronald Giphart, Renate Dorrestein, and Abdelkader Benali. Van Brederode’s appointment will last for one year.
Rector Magnificus
“We are incredibly honoured to welcome Désanne as the Writer in Residence of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the coming year. Not only for her impressive literary achievements and her valuable contributions as a philosopher but also as someone who knows our university well and holds it in high regard. We look forward to this collaboration and to the meaningful impact that Désanne will have in this special role,” said Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts.
About Désanne van Brederode
Désanne van Brederode (1970) is a writer, philosopher, and essayist with an extensive literary oeuvre. She studied philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and made her debut with the novel 'Ave verum corpus' in 1994.
Since then, she has published numerous other works, including 'Mijn denken is een hartstocht' (2002) and the diary 'Barsten' (2006). In 'Modern dédain' (2006), she criticises the popularisation of art, while 'Hart in hart' (2007) explores themes such as loss and death. Her work is often infused with personal experiences, philosophy, and religion.
Latest Book
Recently, she released her new book 'Hoe het vuur te redden'. In her book, Van Brederode emphasises how fire enables us to love despite betrayal and how an unsafe childhood can also be adventurous. It is a plea for slowing down, feeling, and reducing distractions in our lives.
Activities
Besides her literary work, Van Brederode has been active as a columnist for the political television programme Buitenhof and has contributed to De Groene Amsterdammer. In 2007, she received the Gerard Walschap Prize for her literary work.
Van Brederode is also involved in social initiatives; she was a board member of Het Syrische Comité and is a member of the social advisory board for the Philosophy Bachelor's programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Désanne van Brederode is a prominent figure in both literary and philosophical communities. Additionally, she remains actively engaged in relevant social issues, using her insights and expertise to contribute to public debate and social progress.
Contact with the Writer in Residence
Do you have ideas or do you want to get in touch with the Writer in Residence? Please send an e-mail to schrijver@vu.nl and you will hear from us soon.
Tradition Writer in Residence
As Writer in Residence, Désanne van Brederode is the successor of Nina Polak (2023), Gustaaf Peek (2022), Babs Gons (2021), Maxim Februari (2020), Arnon Grunberg (2019), Annelies Verbeke (2018), Bas Heijne (2017), Ernest van der Kwast (2016), Niña Weijers (2015), Joost de Vries (2014), P. F. Thomése (2013), Kristien Hemmerechts (2012), Ronald Giphart (2011), Renate Dorrestein (2010), Christine Otten (2009), Marcel Möring (2008) and Abdelkader Benali (2007). Her appointment lasts one year.
The appointment of the Vrije Schrijver at VU Amsterdam is made possible by VUvereniging. During her work as Writer in Residence Van Brederode will also give lectures at the Faculty of Humanities.
Photo: Irwan Droog