The Fearless Frames story: Visions Of A Greener Amsterdam

In autumn 2022, our signature ARTivism course gained an exciting twist. Teaming up with Polaroid, we shaped a fresh collab course — Fearless Frames: Visions Of A Greener Amsterdam.

Blending ARTivism (Art, Climate Science & Activism) as an instrument for action with out-of-the-frame thinking, our Fearless Framers used Polaroid cameras and photography to share their ideas for making Amsterdam’s green spaces more accessible for everyone. Over 8 weeks of combining art and science, they used their creativity to shape and share their opinions and visions on their local community and the wider world, coming up with ideas to change them for the better.

Working with professional female role models across photography, urban planning and landscape design, climate science and activism, and volunteers from the Polaroid team, the kids cultivated skills and confidence in expressing themselves and documenting the world around them. Their Polaroid Fearless Frames came together in an exhibition of images of how young people view their relationship with nature, and four bold, future-ready proposals around their core question: How can we create more access to nature in our city of Amsterdam?

We celebrated our course finale at Polaroid HQ, inviting along representatives from Amsterdam’s local government (the Gemeente) and experts in sustainability and public space design, who are themselves engaged in the green vision to better equip our city. The girls fearlessly presented to them their ideas for a more sustainable, equal and greener Amsterdam of the future. And it’s safe to say our guests of honour were impressed!

The green concepts our ARTivists shaped cover all four corners of our Amsterdam home. Dive into each group’s journey below… 📸

TEAM NORTH: Mimi, Claire, Rae & Lilianna

Our guests took the time to talk in person with each group after the presentations. The girls got into conversation with Geertje Wijten, Program Manager for Gemeente Amsterdam’s Groen Visie 2050, about their green concept for the Circusplein in Amsterdam North.

Their idea: This concreted space needed more natural life in it. So the girls proposed a lot more grass, a dog park, a greenhouse where insects can go in and out, a playground that included a treehouse with PIN code entry, a paddling pool and a skate ramp. Plus an innovative system of solar-powered wheelchairs for the elderly or less able to move around the space, and a ‘zip-wire stroller walker’ that automatically pushes babies around the square in their prams while their parents relax in the greenery!

TEAM EAST: Julia, Eliza & Ruslana

Picturing a greener Milovan Djilasstraat in Amsterdam East, the group chatted further about their ideas to Charlotte Hopmans, a Sustainability Consultant, Ruth van Dijken, The Green Mile’s Director and Concept Creator, and Soraya Ramdin, Flatland Agency’s Director of Finance and Risk.

Their idea: This large square, surrounded by residential tower blocks and steel-clad housing, needed more shade to cope with future heat. So the girls proposed a good amount of tree planting and other flowers and plants to combat that, and added hammocks for people to enjoy the created shade. They also suggested a community garden and ‘plant friend adoption centre’, with a shed for communal equipment, and rainwater recycling fountains/pump taps for access to water. They thought about play spaces for humans and animals alike — a great feature was the ‘stick library’ in the doggy park, where you can borrow and swap your furry friends’ favourite playthings!

TEAM SOUTH: Clara, Alina & Terriann

Coming up with green genius for Willaertstraat in Amsterdam South, the group walked Liane Dambrink, an Engineering Project Manager for Gemeente Amsterdam, and Lucile Le Doze, Polaroid’s Senior Digital Marketing Manager, through their thinking.

Their idea: The group wanted to create a ‘Climate Valley’ in this open thoroughfare and recreation area between multiple residential streets. They didn’t just stick to the floorspace on the ground, but dreamed up the use of the buildings’ roofs to create both better insulation and edible gardens for residents, that also attract butterflies and bees! And they wanted this to be a place where anyone can come and take a pause in their busy lives; a public garden with a lending library for books, a duck pond surrounded by benches, and a well-equipped ‘sport spot’, a ‘dog spot’ and a playground for children.

WEST: Elira & Ella

And, finally, to the last point of the compass, where this duo shaped a greener vision of Jan Meijenstraat in Amsterdam West! They talked it through in detail with Liane Dambrink, Engineering Project Manager, and Melvin Creemers, a Public Space Designer for Gemeente Amsterdam.

Their idea: A small but mighty team took on a large expanse of stone tiles in front of the Jerusalemkerk, transforming it into a green vision of trees, grass and abundant flowering planters, with winding paths throughout that allow wheelchair users to also easily enjoy it. A fountain and a playground with a treehouse provide a focal point at the centre, and the girls designed natural characters like Mr EggHead, The Flower Twins and Caring Cat to encourage people to look after the new green space as a community!

Last but by no means least, a huge, heartfelt thank you to our volunteer course co-creators from Polaroid. For being awesome creative collaborators, enablers, co-conspirators, ARTivists and more!

We’ll be back next year with another ARTivism course, ready to welcome new and returning faces. To stay updated on sign-ups, pop-up events and all things Fearless, follow us on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter.

Written by Project Fearless copywriter, Abi Malins, with input and imagery from ARTivism Coach, Mareka Stake.