Who knows when the first seed was planted, the initiating thought that lead the ongoing creative process of Hope Box into the direction of their first Hope Box Home.

The Hope Box way of living is a complex one. It has many colours and many shapes, though always clear goals to achieve.

Seeds are being planted and carefully nurtured. Depending on the circumstances (partners are found, sponsors have been convinced, political climates are calm enough etc.) the growing will start. Some grow faster then the other, some don’t make it, and some do later. At best circumstances seeds turn into flowers. And once there are flowers, there will be bees.

When I first met Rienke Enghardt, creator, initiator and ‘master-gardener’ of all the Hope Box projects, ideas for a new accommodation for her Weather Report Foundation were already in full flight. After many years of traveling the whole world to organize her mobile art projects, the time for a home base had arrived. And her wish was to be able to collect all the works of art; documentation and experience in this one place and open it to public.

Because of her enthusiasm, the great work done by Weather Report and Hope Box, the great location (NDSM-wharf), and sympathetic team members. It was not a hard decision to join the caravan.

Much has happened and many people have lent helping hands. Since it would be all too easy to miss out on someone, we skip the name-dropping. Still, a big thank you to all those people who have helped Hope Box to become what it is at this moment! Of course, we hope you all will stick with us in the coming time.

It is said that ‘birds of a feather flock together’. For me Hope Box shows what great things can happen when boundaries are broken, and people (of many kinds) are brought together for creative cooperation. Which, to me, is the greatest achievement of Hope Box.

So, to speak with Rienke her words: Hope yourself, and keep shining!

Josse Popma
Architect of the Hope Box Home