Into Nature: Haunted by Waters

International artists shed new light on the Onlanden in the north of the Netherlands. Through installations created specifically for this location, they invite us to experience the wetlands and reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.

The first Into Nature Biennale took place in 2016, initiated by the Province of Drenthe. Each edition highlights a different part of the Drenthe landscape. This fifth edition focuses on the Onlanden, situated in the north-eastern part of Drenthe, which borders the city of Groningen.

Situated below sea level, the Dutch have always tried to control nature, to keep the water at bay. The marshes of the Onlanden were drained, and turned into pasture. Until heavy rainfall due to climate change caused several flooding. In 2012, the Onlanden were given back to nature, to serve as water storage and restore the biodiversity.

Into Nature: Haunted by Waters addresses the way many humans deal with nature, and the threat of water in times of climate change, in the context of the Onlanden. That is what makes this Biennial so topical.

The artists respond differently to this landscape. Some empathise with nature and give it a voice through playful stories. Others illustrate complex natural processes with the help of scientists. Still others make offerings, such as the Tz'tujil Maya artist Manuel Chavajay – to give something back, instead of exploiting nature.

They have one thing in common: in times of climate change, they all emphasize the interconnectedness of humankind and nature, and our dependence on it. We do not stand above nature; we are part of the complex ecosystem known as life.

Program
11.30 Meet & greet
12.00 lunch and Showroom with Hilde de Bruijn, curator and artistic director of Into Nature
13.30 Introduction to the exhibition by Hilde de Bruijn at Wallhouse #2, Groningen
14.00 bike along the art trail with Anne Berk, curator and chairperson of Sculpture Network
17.30 return to Kaap Hoorn
18.00 drinks and dinner at Kaap Hoorn (optional)

Please note:
You need a bike to visit a selection of the locations of this art trail of 22 kilometers.
The Onlanden is located in the north-east of Drenthe, at the edge of the city of Groningen.

If you travel by train, you can hire a bike at OV-fiets at Groningen station.
It is 20 minutes cycling from there to our meeting point at restaurant Kaap Hoorn. Here we have lunch with drinks.
You will have the possibility to pitch your work to curator Hilde de Bruijn during the Showroom, everyone has 2 minutes. Please be on time.

Meeting point
Restaurant Kaap Hoorn
Kaapse Baan 1
Haren, the Netherlands
https://kaaphoorn.nu/

Participation
Standard participation fee: 40,00 EUR per person
For Sculpture Network members: 30,00 EUR per person.
Included: organisation, admission fees and guided tours, lunch and drinks. Dinner, bike rental and travel costs are not included. To be paid in cash on the day (please place the money in an envelope).

The number of participants is limited. Members have priority.

Online registration is required by 29 August 2026. Please use the 'REGISTER NOW' button.

Contact
This event is organised by Anne Berk, chair person of Sculpture Network and curator.
If you have any questions about the event or about registration, please contact Anne Berk or info@sculpture-network.org.

With the kind support of