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The Netherlands

Ode aan Nederland Travelling Exhibition

Various Dutch communities
Images from left to right: 1. Mandy | Zaanstreek, Noord-Holland | The Netherlands, 2020 2. Rosa | Katwijk, Zuid-Holland | The Netherlands, 2021 3. Lisan | Volendam, Noord-Holland | The Netherlands, 2020
  • COMMUNITY

      Various Dutch communities

  • WHERE

      The Netherlands

  • WHAT

      Travelling exhibition

The Grand Finale of "Ode aan Nederland", the Donation Event
WHY

Celebrating Dutch Heritage

In “Between the Sea and the Sky,” Jimmy Nelson unveils the Dutch in a captivating portrayal, challenging stereotypes and reigniting a connection with their cultural heritage. The images prompt a rediscovery of Streek-en Klederdracht, often dismissed as old-fashioned yet holding the key to the Netherlands’ enduring identity.

For centuries, the Dutch have battled water, forging a national character of strength and solidarity. However, in the pursuit of progress, authentic roots risk being overshadowed. This project seeks to illuminate the disappearing tradition, showcasing its preservers and transforming it from an antiquated relic to a source of collective pride.

It calls for all Dutch citizens to embrace the resilient identity embedded in Streek-en Klederdracht , bridging the gap between past and present.

It is a journey where tradition meets modernity, anchoring us ‘Between the Sea and the Sky’, guiding us towards a collective and proud future.

The communities during the book launch of 'Between the Sea and the Sky' on the Museum Square, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2022
Jimmy Nelson donating the work on location in Katwijk in January, 2025
IMPACT

‘Ode aan Nederland’ is a travelling exhibition that embodies the essence of the Foundation’s reciprocity program by giving back to the communities that contributed to Jimmy Nelson’s work “Between the Sea and the Sky”.

An exhibition featuring 20 artworks toured across the Netherlands, hosted at four local museums in the cities of Axel, Scheveningen, Dokkum, and Zaandam throughout 2024. Hosting over 50.000 visitors in total, this exhibition has been a major success!

After the exhibition on January 25th, 2025, these 20 artworks were donated, and each community received one artwork to display at a location of their preference, such as the town hall, local museum, or library.

Fostering a deep connection between art, culture, and communities, this exhibition serves as a heartfelt tribute to Dutch culture, underscoring the enduring value of shared heritage and community collaboration.

Betty, Marije, Baukje & Nathallya | Nes, Friesland | The Netherlands, 2021
Future

Current locations of the Art Works

As of January 2025, all 20 artworks from Ode aan Nederland have been donated to the communities. Through the Jimmy Nelson Foundation’s Give Back program, these artworks now serve as lasting symbols of pride, identity, and cultural heritage in their rightful homes. Each piece has been placed in a communal space chosen by the local community, ensuring future generations can connect with their history and traditions.

Here is a list of the current locations of the donated artworks:

  • Arnemuiden – TBD
  • Axel – Het Warenhuis Axel Museum
  • Enkhuizen – TBD
  • Hindeloopen – TBD
  • Huizen – Huizer Museum
  • Kampereiland – TBD
  • Katwijk – TBD
  • Marken – Dorpshuis Het Trefpunt
  • Nes – TBD
  • Nunspeet – TBD
  • Leeuwarden – TBD
  • Rijssen – Rijssens Museum
  • Scheveningen – Muzee Scheveningen
  • Schouwen-Duiveland – TBD
  • Spakenburg – TBD
  • Staphorst – TBD
  • Urk – TBD
  • Volendam – TBD
  • Walcheren – TBD
  • Zaanstreek – TBD

This project reaffirms the importance of cultural preservation, ensuring that Dutch heritage is not only remembered but continues to inspire the future.