Creative Concepts
Artistic adventures for curious 'artists of life'
Nest of Kin develops creative concepts at the intersection of identity, art, and nature. Always with an eye for both the individual and the wider context of life. Always focused on awe, connection, and change. From artist in residencies to performance projects, from educational programs to methods that ignite your natural systems — at Nest of Kin, you'll find projects that are a little different than most. Unique projects that pique your curiosity and give meaning to the world around you.
In recent years, I've initiated various projects and organisations, all driven by the same dream: empowering people to shape their place in the world through creativity, reflection, and connection. Among the organisations I've founded (often in collaboration with others) are: The Orchestra of Fascination, SpeelAtelier, The Butterfly Factory, The Remise, The Association for Animal & Care Providers, The Wild Ones, and The Tiny Barn Farm.
As a creative concept developer I had the opportunity to do my own artist in residency at:
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Tryater, 2025
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The Arctic Circle, 2026
Below are some of the creative concepts I am currently working on and get a lot of energy out of:
Program for and by
Artists of Life
An artist-in-residency for young people aged 15–18, for and by young creators who have a lot to offer and need their own space, pace, and format. In this program, young people design their own learning path. They explore a personal question, delve into an art discipline, and collaborate with others on new ideas. The program is blended (online and offline), with the physical component taking place in the heart of nature. Under the guidance of artists and coaches, participants are given the space to further discover and develop their inner artist, in their own way. This program also offers opportunities for young people who don't connect well with mainstream cultural offerings due to, for example, giftedness, sensitivity, multipotentiality, and/or chronic illness. Are you curious about this project or interested in participating? Send me a message! Testimonials from former participants: "I don't think I could have felt more involved than I did. The reason for that is that I was allowed to contribute to the planning of this residency from start to finish. Even during the residency, I felt like I was constantly involved in the process of shaping and experiencing the residency." "The working methods in the online program were very conducive to sharing ideas. I found developing an assignment for myself and then discussing it in a group a pleasant way of working. It made it a process we truly went through together." "I was given various techniques and materials, which I then used to further develop my creative project." "During the residency, there was plenty of space for everyone to take their time working on their creative side, but also to relax and process things for themselves. There were also times when we all did/discussed serious things together related to our projects and the residency, interspersed with more active activities where you sometimes didn't have to think for a while. I really appreciated that there was a good routine to the day, and that we always started with a workout and a creative card, for example." "The reason I recommend it is that it was very helpful for me to really look at myself. At how I think, feel, create, and combine all that." "It feels like I'm at home, not like I'm in a stranger's house. From the start, Ruth made me feel like I could go to her for anything, and if she realizes you can do something but aren't yet brave enough, she gives you a gentle nudge. That helped me a lot."
The Art of Natural Systems &
The Cards of Natural Systems
In this project, I'm collaborating with choreographer, dance teacher, and dance therapist Lotte Willemsma to explore the link between art and health. Together, we're developing various methods that can support others—through art—in their well-being. One of these methods is The Cards of Natural Systems, which we created in collaboration with artists from around the world. It's a set of cards that takes you on a unique journey. A journey that explores places in your mind, body, and the outside world you may never have been before. Through small assignments collected from around the world, we hope to spark your imagination, creativity, resilience, and solution-oriented thinking. The cards work with all the natural systems we can use as humans, such as our own physical body, the natural world around us, the creation of art and crafts, and the development of our own skills. The Cards of Natural Systems highlight the many ways we learn and engage all our senses. Each card challenges you in its own way; Each activity can be adapted to your personal preferences and abilities. It's up to you how you use The Cards of Natural Systems: for example, as your daily companion at home, weekly in your classroom, as a guide for after-school activities and workshops, or as a family game on the weekend. Each card falls into a category that offers awareness, creation, a tool, or reflection, and indicates what you need to complete the activity. They spark your imagination, help you slow down, and provide direction in life's small and large questions. For more information: www.artofnaturalsystems.com
Artist in Residency
Art and culture are essential for personal development and finding your own path. Nest of Kin's artist-in-residency programs bring together young and old, professional and non-professional in various groups to work on personal development questions and on (their own) creative projects. Traditionally, artist-in-residency programs are intended for professional artists. A place to reflect, create, and experiment, away from daily life. But why should this be reserved for those who are "professional"? Everyone needs space, peace, and direction to develop their identity and creativity. Nest of Kin therefore offers: Customised residencies for specific target groups or organisations Invitation-only residencies at other locations/organisations Each residency begins with the individual and simultaneously connects with the collective; there is a strong focus on personal growth and individual nature experiences, as well as interdisciplinary work and co-creation.
Theatre Workshops
At Nest of Kin, we believe in the power of participatory theatre. This transforms theatre into a shared space where stories can be shared, identities can be formed, and communities can engage in dialogue. At Nest of Kin, we develop original theatre performances together with participants and/or the audience. Imagination, storytelling, immersion, experiential learning, embodiment, and nature play a key role in these performances. The performances aim to strengthen creativity, identity, compassion, and connection with the world.
What is it like to...?
Album for the Young
In this sensory performance, you'll be immersed in the world of other animals. No symbols or metaphors—but real stories, based on facts and scientific knowledge about how these animals experience "our" world. Not by speaking about them or on their behalf, but by doing justice to the reality in which these other animals live. The audience is drawn into the experiences and perceptions of other animals, through theatre. What does it mean to live together on a planet we share with millions of other species? What does it require to see other animals as kin? What does it mean if you have four legs, a tail, wings or scales? This performance offers a unique form of immersive theatre, scientifically substantiated perspectives of other animals and an invitation to ecological awareness and collective responsibility. This performance can be performed in theaters, at festivals, in educational institutions, and with communities that want to engage in discussions about climate, connectedness, and ethics through art.
This project offers a musical time capsule for and by young people. Inspired by various composers, who wrote albums for young people, participants in this project create their own musical page for their own modern album for the young. Participants learn about classical music, compose with professional musicians, provide guidance as a conductor, and present their composition in a festive, interactive concert. This educational project allows young people to playfully discover what they value; what can be conveyed through music— and how you express that artistically. This project is designed for middle schools, lower secondary schools, music schools, and arts education institutions.