Over the past years, #saytheirnames has become widespread. Why is saying a name so important? Kay Em explores what it means to say, to not say, or to not be able to say someone’s name.  Guatemalan artist Benvenuto Chavajay speaks to indigenous language, misnaming, and silence, and curator Andrea Valencia reflects upon names not included in the 9/11 Memorial in New York. This episode ends with artist Nicoline van Harskamp speaking about her project My Name is Language. PILOT SEASON The episodes are scripted in English and include excerpts in Dutch, Spanish, and Arabic with English interpretations. The script’s Dutch translation is in process and can be made available upon request. SEASON ONE The storyboard for upcoming episodes is in development! If you would like to share a story about a name—or even about the culture of naming in general—to consider for a future episode, please email us: [email protected]. CREDITS The episodes of the pilot season of Names Takes were written by Sarah Demeuse and Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy, and narrated by Kay Em, who is performed by Aqueene Wilson, the 2020-2021 Collective Learning in Practice (CLIP) Program Fellow at Kunstinstituut Melly. Jurith Schols is the voice talent of select citations. The podcast’s voice recording, mixing, and original music has been developed by Jan Pohl at Okapi Recordings in Rotterdam. The audio files were mastered by Masterenzo Mastering. Production management was overseen by Wendy van Slagmaat Bos, and communication and marketing by Jeroen Lavèn. The graphic design of Name Takes is by Wooseok Jang from Orange Slice Type, who participated in the third annual edition of CLIP, from 2020 to 2021. The pilot season of Name Takes is produced by Kunstinstituut Melly in Rotterdam, thanks to a grant from a donor who wishes to remain unnamed. Really. If you are interested in sponsoring Name Takes or in making a donation to support its production, whether under your name or credited anonymously, please reach out: [email protected].