Today every human being on the planet has to cope with technological change, as technology progresses faster than our ability to adapt. The choices we make in this matter concern us all and is too important to be left up to a select group of experts. Next Nature Network has the ambition to facilitate an inclusive discussion about our technological future. Diversity enriches this conversation. 

We are committed to taking action and making changes that will ensure Diversity and Inclusion to our workplace, our message, and our programs. This means continuing to confront many hard truths and acknowledging that this work will be ongoing. The following letter shares our plan with which we give shape to this mission in our 2021-2024 program ‘Hello, Superorganism’.

The plan is based on four promises:

1. We recognize that we have to learn in the field of diversity and inclusion;
2. We have an inclusive corporate culture and actively promote this;
3. We ensure our message is accessible to all;
4. We are accessible.

Each promise is linked to clear actions that we implement in the coming years. The promises focus on the 4 P’s of the Code Diversity and Inclusion (Program, Public, Personnel, Partners), with room for knowledge exchange and (self) reflection. Some of the actions are already underway, others are effective immediately and all will be continually reviewed and revised.

We recognize that we have to learn in the field of diversity and inclusion

Next Nature Network is a growing organization with a core team of 7 employees at the time of this writing. Diversity and inclusion is widely propagated and put on the agenda, but we realize that there is a lot to learn and that the team—who are predominantly highly educated and from a Western European background—has blind spots.

We have an inclusive corporate culture and actively promote this

From both an artistic and business point of view, it is desirable (and proven to be profitable) to be a diverse organization. Diverse teams are more creative and problem-solving, and better able to respond to the needs of various audiences. A diverse team means a diverse network. That’s what we’re about. Just as important as recruiting new talent is the retention and advancement of current employees. Next Nature Network has an open corporate culture. Employees feel safe and known. Short, direct lines of communication are key to our organization.

We ensure our message is accessible to all

As said in the introduction: Every human being on the planet has to cope with technological change. The choices we make in this matter concern us all and is too important to be left up to a select group of experts.

We are accessible

The field in which Next Nature Network operates and the public we reach is diverse. Our projects are seen in museums, festivals, educational institutions, libraries, public squares and accessible locations. Next Nature Network invites the public to think about the impact of possible future technologies. We do this by actively conversing with our audience during the presentations of our programs.