Objects of Desire: Curating and Archiving Sex Work with Rori Dior – Culturally Curious Ep.9

In this episode Nanette Ashby is joined by Rori Dior, a Berlin-based sex worker, anthropologist, activist, and co-founder of the archive Objects Of Desire. We discuss the ins and outs of creating and maintaining an archive such as Objects of Desire and the importance of institutional collaboration.

Shunga – Potentially feminist pornography of the Edo period of Japan

By Nanette Ashby
Every fourth search request entered into Google is linked to pornographic content and makes up a third of all internet traffic. Every month, Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined receive fewer visitors than pornographic websites (Lust). Evidently, just like sex is fundamental for the human experience, so is pornography a part of everyday life. Regardless of the medium or time period, pornography functions as a transmitter of societal ideas and values.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District from a Sex Worker’s perspective with Nat Portnoy – Culturally Curious Ep.6

In this episode, Nanette Ashby takes you with her to the Prostitution Information Center in Amsterdam. It is located in the heart of the Red light district next to the Oude Kerk or Old Church. I have the pleasure of interviewing Nat Portnoy, a multidisciplinary artist, activist, performer, filmmaker and sex worker.

Why is embracing Relationship and Sex Education crucial for children and young people?

By Nanette Ashby 
The sun is shining, and the tulips are blooming just in time for the “lentekriebels” week at Dutch Primary Schools. During this theme week, children playfully learn about their bodies, puberty, and budding sexual feelings. Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) has been part of the curriculum of Dutch primary schools since 2012.

Experimental Archeology and the History of Pockets with Marjolein Kik – Culturally Curious Ep.5

In this installment, I’m joined by Marjolein Kik, a Dutch academic specializing in dress history and experimental archaeology. Their research into the history of Dutch pockets takes center-stage in this episode. We start with the question: What is experimental archaeology? Marjolein explains the nuances of this new and unique research method and how they created an educational tool for museums, based on this research. We discussed materials, sewing techniques and designs used to make pockets between 1650 and 1950.

Interrogating Street Harrasment with Judith and Roos of Catcalls of Nimma – Culturally Curious Ep.4

In this episode we are focusing on the work of Catcalls of Nimma who highlight and fight street harassment. I’m joined by the founders Judith Holzmann and Roos van den Oever to dive deeper into their process, from collecting the stories to putting chalk to the pavement.