Can you name a photographer, book or artwork that profoundly changed your perspective?

This was one of many thought-provoking questions that arose during our reflective dinner with friends, hosted together with The Social Hub Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation.

With no fixed seating, guests were encouraged to take a random seat and discuss the impact of art and culture on their personal lives with strangers—who became familiar faces by the end of the night. During the night, three particular guests were highlighted to share their story and what ties them to the theme of the dinner.

Nadine van Asbeck, co-founder of Homecoming Gallery—a space to discover rising stars in contemporary photography ahead of the curve—elaborated on the transformative power of art. As a female-led gallery and publisher, co-curated by an international network of industry experts, Homecoming commits to celebrate exceptional artists from all corners of the world.

Asma El Ghalbzouri, founder of Celebrate Sayf, shed light on the imperative of connecting extraordinary women—from actresses to politicians—through the timeless tradition of dining and conversing. As an intimate, bi-annual dinner initiative, Celebrate Sayf emphasizes offline female connections and celebrates MENA culture through exquisite food and mesmerizing performances.

Dani Velthoven, the multi-talented singer-songwriter and dancer known as DANY, strives to unite communities through music, language, culture and empathy. At the dinner, he debuted a self-written song, enchanting the room with his angelic voice and exceptional talent.

We are thankful to everyone who attended and to our wide-reaching community—in helping us keep books, and perspectives that matter, alive.