Naomi van der Stelt

A circle full of chairs, snacks, and conviviality

Not everything valuable is immediately in the spotlight. Sometimes it's sitting on folding chairs, with liverwurst from the platter.

The Dutch circle birthday seems so ordinary, so dull, but it isn't at all. It's a ritual full of rituals. Precisely because it feels so normal, it can slip away all too easily. It has no fixed location, no fixed time, or fixed form, but that's precisely what makes it so vibrant and so unique; a typical Dutch cultural phenomenon, perpetuated from generation to generation.

That's why it deserves a voice, a place, and above all, preservation. This archive is my plea, my proof, my invitation: Let's recognise the circle birthday as intangible cultural heritage. In my graduation project, "A Circle Full of Chairs, Snacks, and Conviviality," my family and I are taking the first step in archiving this phenomenon. The circle birthday is more than just a regular birthday. It is a ritual rich in traditions and ritualistic actions, connecting generations and reflecting typical Dutch etiquette. In a time of rapid change, it is important to reflect on what we consider culture.
This project invites reflection and raises awareness, both within the heritage community and among culture enthusiasts and international visitors. The project demonstrates that even everyday cultural expressions are valuable to preserve, share, and pass on.

As a graphic designer, I, Naomi van der Stelt, place people, their stories, and emotions at the centre of my projects. I seek ways to bring people closer together and foster mutual understanding. With a deep love for book design and a keen eye for detail, I strive to achieve this through image, form, and design.