about VLOED
VLOED (meaning flow or flood) is an interdisciplinary project, in which art and literature take the lead in the conversation about our relationship with nature and with each other. The value of art is not tied to its social relevance, but art can touch us, move us, and bring us new insights.
Artists, writers and thinkers were initially invited to explore our relationship with the sea. Stories of the struggle against water are part of Dutch history and the struggle played a major role in shaping the cultural landscape. Dikes and dams were build to protect the country from the sea’s potential threats. The North Sea Flood of 1953 prompted the development of the innovative Delta Works.
Over the years, the North Sea has become a field for shipping, fishing, sand mining, and the establishment of oil and gas platforms, as well as wind farms. At the beginning of 2025, environmental organizations decided to sue the Dutch government over trawling in the Dutch part of the Dogger Bank area in the North Sea.
VLOED explored how we can change our perspective and language on the sea and nature, also challenging modern day western views on nature. We departed from the idea that art can be a powerful tool for developing new ideas and new language. By intertwining artistic expression with scientific insight and public engagement, VLOED aspired to foster a deeper understanding of our relationship with the sea and nature.
DORST
We have previously drawn inspiration from water, and this spring, visual artist Jos Agasi and writer Anika van de Wijngaard will explore THIRST (in Dutch: DORST).
The word thirst represents our physical need for water, but can also be interpreted as a longing or desire for change — something that contrasts with restlessness as the effects of climate change become increasingly evident worldwide. We are entering a critical and unpredictable new phase of climate change, which could result in climate disasters and an uninhabitable world. Through a new art project combining visual art and language, we examine the impact of this future vision and our connection to water.
From March 8 to March 30, this new artwork will be exhibited. During this month, other creators will also be invited to artistically explore the relationship with water. Additionally, we are collaborating with Studium Generale and Museum De Lakenhal to provide a more in-depth program.
March 8 – March 30
Exhibition DORST
Jos Agasi & Anika van de Wijngaard
Atelier Jos Agasi
March 14.
Lakenhal Laat x DORST
Museum de Lakenhal
March 26.
Studium Generale x DORST
more about water
global drinking water crisis
Access to safe drinking water is a human right, yet approximately two billion people worldwide lack safely managed drinking water. The effects of climate change are exacerbating this pressure. It leads to prolonged and extreme periods of drought, while also increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding, which, in turn, restrict access to safe drinking water.
We are heading toward an uninhabitable world—this is what science is clearly telling us. This climate crisis is already unfolding, particularly in the poorest countries of the world. The physical world of water is deeply interconnected with the socio-political world, with water often playing a key role in managing risks such as famine, epidemics, inequalities, and political instability. Droughts, floods, and other natural disasters — as well as wars — can cut people off from water access.
drinking water in the Netherlands
The effects of climate change are also becoming increasingly evident in the Global North. This is reflected in the emergence of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and record-breaking heatwaves year after year. The Netherlands is also experiencing these challenges.
Although the Netherlands is a water-rich country, drinking water companies have sounded the alarm in recent years because the water system is reaching its limits due to drought, salinization, and increasing demand driven by population and economic growth. Additionally, the quality of drinking water sources is deteriorating due to pollution.
In 2023, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published a report stating that the demand for drinking water in the Netherlands will be much higher by 2030. It is currently uncertain whether there will be sufficient water in 2030 for drinking water production.
the world’s water
This link directs you to the official website of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Credit: Howard Perlman, USGS; globe illustration by Jack Cook, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (©) and Adam Nieman.