An event that visits you
Much of our time growing up happens in our homes. This is why the GIST offers a special format that takes place where you are: Your home. In “The GIST of Growing Up” we invite you to host an evening in your household with your personal network. We will connect you with one special guest from the GIST community, who will share their insights and experiences around the theme “Growing Up”. You can choose between a violinist, an artist, and an entrepreneur.
The guest you can borrow
Maren Bödeker
Available on May 9 or May 10, 2025
Maren Bödeker is an artist and educator currently based in Toronto. Originally from Germany, she holds an MA in Fine Arts and an MA in Education for Art and German from the University of Fine Arts Münster and the University of Münster. In Germany, Maren held teaching positions at a High School in Detmold and the Centre for Teacher Training in Paderborn, educating and mentoring trainee art teachers.
She has always vigorously pursued her artistic career and received significant recognition for her work, including the Liguria artist-in-residence award in Italy and first place in the “Art for Europe” exhibition, curated by the European Community in Brussels, Belgium.
Photo: Lauren Kolyn
How it works
A guide for your evening.
Dialogue instead of formality. Anyone and everyone can take part. No matter if in a kitchen within a shared apartment, living room with a view, or in a backyard - what matters is the conversation between the guests.
Simplicity relaxes. The more official, the more structured, the more perfect, the less space for encounter, play and joy. Our tip: only cook if it's easy.
Avoid a sense of obligation on your invitation list. Invite people with whom you enjoy talking, who listen and who will enjoy meeting your guests.
New encounters with exciting people. Have you ever thought to yourself, I'd like to get to know them, I'd like to have a chat with them? Now, you have an excellent opportunity to do so.
This is not a house concert nor a lecture. One person gives a talk, and everyone else sits back? No, this format offers space for encounters and exchanges. All those present are jointly responsible for the success of the evening.
The guest introduces the theme of growing up from their perspective, perhaps lasting half an hour - an impetus for conversation between the guests.
Those who come are the right ones.