In this partnership, Kunstfort Vijfhuizen will work with the British Council in the Netherlands to develop a residency programme at Kunstfort, bridging the Dutch and UK art scenes and fostering artistic reflection and exchange on the role of art in addressing urgent ecological challenges and more-than-human perspectives.

The British Council is the UK official international cultural organisation. In the Netherlands, it aims to build connection and understanding to support the Dutch and UK arts and education sectors.

This new partnership takes place within the framework of Zoöp Connections, a European knowledge exchange initiative focused on the cultural roots of the ecological and climate crisis. Supported by the EUNIC Global Cluster Fund, the programme is a collaboration with EUNIC Netherlands , DutchCulture, and Het Nieuwe Instituut/Zoönomic Foundation.

Zoöp Connections is based on the Zoöp model, which Kunstfort has implemented since November 2023. This model promotes nonhuman rights and ecological regeneration, reshaping cultural practices to support all life forms.

Through Zoöp Connections, European artists, changemakers, and activists will connect with Dutch Zoöperations, focused on regenerative practices. In week-long programmes, participants will explore how to apply the Zoöp model to their own work, linking local environmental efforts with broader European climate and biodiversity goals. The programme is rooted in fair collaboration, mutual learning, and sustained engagement through art & culture.