THE NETHERLANDS 2022
"what makes a society innovative?”
One of the many questions we had for one of the most innovative countries in the world: the Netherlands.
In the span of fourteen days in May, we explored the city of Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam with local partners. There we were able to utilize and explore the country by foot, bike, tram, bus, and train. Day by day, we learned about the Netherlands’ history through museums, galleries, non-profits, and government establishments. Along the way, we were introduced to local activists and experts, artists and architects, refugees, and recent immigrants.
In the eye of history and photography, we searched for answers to our big questions. In this exhibition, we share our observations, experiences, and stories.
The Netherlands is a small country (1/6 the geographical size of Minnesota, with a population of almost 17 million people), yet it continues to hold the rank of the top 5 on the Global Innovation Index. The Dutch are the world’s experts in water management - a critical issue in global climate change. They are one of the world’s top exporters of agricultural products. Their transportation system makes biking accessible and safe. Their city and housing design is found to be sustainable and beautiful.
