TULIP
MANIA

LEIDEN

Discover the hidden life in the soil!

Bulb of (soil)biodiversity!

Art meets science in Leiden

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On Wednesday 2 July, the festive unveiling of a special work of art took place in the front yard of Hogeschool Leiden: the bulb of (soil) biodiversity! A giant tulip bulb, painted by artist and biologist, Rafael Martig, where recognizable elements from Leiden are interwoven with the fascinating life in the soil. The unveiling was done by alderman Wietske Veltman, Angelien Sanderman of Hogeschool Leiden and Jan van Vliet of the Gildemeesters in the presence of an enthusiastic audience. Prior to the unveiling, various speakers explained the origin and purpose of the artwork. The bulb of biodiversity fits exactly within the theme "Leiden: city of discoveries". This art project is an initiative of DNA in Beeld and brings art, science and the city together in a unique way. For months, Rafael Martig has worked live on the giant bulb at three different locations, in Het Gebouw, Hogeschool Leiden and the Hortus Botanicus Leiden.

July 5 is open day at Hogeschool Leiden during the Dutch BioScience week. Come and see the bulb in its permanent place in the front yard of the Hogeschool Leiden.

Read all about this special project here!

(Photos: Buro JP)

Start TULPENMANIE Leiden

Tulip Mania Leiden officially started on October 30, 2021 by planting tulip bulbs in the courtyard of BplusC on Nieuwstraat in Leiden. It was a festive opening with a speech by councilor Ashley North and specially baked tulip cakes.

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2021-10-30 133509 Tulpenmanie-project ©Esmee van den Berg.jpeg

Councilor Ashley North (l) and initiator of Tulpenmania Leiden, Dr. Leonie Kaptein from "DNA in Beeld".

Tulip Mania Leiden

Leiden was the "European City of Science" in 2022. As a contribution to that year, DNA in Beeld along with Leiden Center for Applied BioSciences started a citizen science project "Tulip Mania Leiden" with the goal of researching hidden life in the soil and drawing attention to the importance of a healthy soil. A more controlled experiment has also been set up at the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden.

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Art and Science

To involve more citizens in the project, Tulip Mania Leiden views the role of art as an important bridge to communication about science. Art and science are both used to better understand and describe the world around us. Art and science coming together is ultimate creativity! Tulip mania Leiden collaborates with artist/biologist Rafael Martig and American artist Anna Fine Foer.

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Activities Tulip Mania

Tulpenmania Leiden is very active in and around Leiden! Lectures in the Tulip Museum "de Zwarte Tulp", the Hortus Botanicus and BplusC. Presentations during, among others, the Night of Discoveries and Earth Day. Interview at Radio Weetlust and participation in the TV program "Year of the Garden" and much more! Tulip mania Leiden does everything possible to spread the message of the importance of biodiversity in the soil.

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