Imbrace Your Inner Brussels Sprout

Treehouse NDSM is excited to announce the open call for the upcoming exhibition Embrace Your Inner Brussels Sprout. The exhibition opens on Thursday, 19 February and will close on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

For this exhibition, Treehouse NDSM is seeking artists and creative minds to present work exploring the connection between food and mental health. Each year, Treehouse organises a sensory-focused exhibition. This edition highlights the power of taste.

In this ‘‘dinner’’-exhibition, the Brussels sprout serves as a symbol of a complex, layered individual who isn’t always appreciated. Yet, when combined with others and nurtured in the right way, it can transform and truly flourish, reflecting the potential for growth, connection and resilience. To put social engagement into practice, there will be additional events, including a dinner experience by Vegan Bear Chef.

Food can bring comfort, celebration and cherished memories to life. Especially when shared with others: being invited to the dinner table allows us to feel seen and included. Turning a meal into a meaningful and social act, sometimes even more significant than the physical act of eating itself. Sharing recipes and rituals fosters a sense of community, serving as a powerful remedy for loneliness. After all, the simple act of nurturing is one of the oldest and most genuine expressions of care.

Artists are invited to respond to this theme by exploring the relationships between food, taste, and mental health through innovative, thought-provoking work that may reflect personal experiences or broader social narratives. Submissions may span various media, including performance, painting, installation or video. Participatory and community-focused projects are especially welcome. Artists wishing to offer workshops or side activities during the exhibition weeks are highly encouraged. 

Submission deadline:  14 December

Exhibition Dates:  19 February - 15 March 2026‍

Selection and Participation

The selection committee includes Gabriele Bonomi and Rika Maja Duevel, co-curators and artists of Treehouse and Mulan Go, artistic coordinator at Treehouse. They will select up to 10 projects for this exhibition.

The works will be exhibited on the 100m² mezzanine of Treehouse NDSM's Pavilion.   

Please note that Treehouse NDSM is not a traditional gallery. It is an incubator that supports multidisciplinary artists in bringing their projects to life by offering 100 affordable studios, access to exhibition spaces, and the opportunity to engage with a vibrant artistic community.