RefuBees and the City
WHEN CITIES BECOME PLACES OF REFUGE
RefuBees is a long-term art–science practice exploring how wild bees survive under systemic ecological pressure. While industrial agriculture has rendered vast rural landscapes uninhabitable, cities have unexpectedly become places of refuge. Since 2012, RefuBees investigates what this situation demands from urban environments, ecologically, socially, and culturally.
Through BeeTotems, the BeeCircus, and the campaign Adopt a Wild Bee, urban residents are invited to participate in concrete, situated case studies. What begins with planting, caring, and observing connects to a broader inquiry: how cities can take responsibility within a crisis they did not cause, yet cannot ignore.
Art / Science
What is it?
Network
Experts, Academics, Innovators
Symposia
Workshop, Lectures, Symposia.
BeeTotems
as social sculptures
Case Studies
Comparisons
BeeCircus
Infotainment
Education
Awareness, Learning
Media
Film Photo Archive
Sponsors
Companies
FAQ
HowTo
Press
Docu
The children wanted it - the teachers wanted it - the mayors wanted it - the local academia wanted it - the local community wanted it - the Salzburg Nature Museum...
After the presentation at the AMS Congress ‘Reinventing the City’ a student walked up to me … excuse the shaky hands
Unveiling the Intersection of Art and Ecology in wild pollinator Conservation Exploring art projects focused on bees yields a rich tapestry of creativity and concern. A...
RefuBees operates as a prototype and long-term case study at the intersection of art, ecology, and civic engagement. Since 2012, the project has developed and tested...
Evaluation talk with hosts Marleen and Hermingard on the BeeTotem project at the Admiralengracht Amsterdam
Deep investigation into practice-based research Europewide Here we want to provide a brief overview on what has up to this point in time been done in regards to...
In our quest to assemble an interdisciplinary team of specialists to devise working methodologies on implementing a research project that should function as a blue...
Exploring Totemism: Ancient Practices and Modern Art As an integral part of his PhDArts journey, Hans Kalliwoda embarked upon an exploration of totemism, an ancient...
The TUDelft Urban Ecology Lab places great value on interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach serves two essential purposes. First, it broadens the participants’...
Rosa works as a PhD candidate in the Urban Ecology Design Lab at Delft University of Technology. In her research, Rosa focuses on the transformative design of...
Art + SCIENCE
Art/Science
The TUDelft Urban Ecology Lab highly values collaboration that spans multiple disciplines and incorporates art as an essential element for enhancing outcomes..
How does the collaborative partnership between art and science contribute to inventive approaches in both domains?
Unveiling the Intersection of Art and Ecology in wild pollinator Conservation Exploring art projects focused on bees yields a rich tapestry of creativity and concern. A...
Exploring Totemism: Ancient Practices and Modern Art As an integral part of his PhDArts journey, Hans Kalliwoda embarked upon an exploration of totemism, an ancient...
The TUDelft Urban Ecology Lab places great value on interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach serves two essential purposes. First, it broadens the participants’...
In our quest to find Europe's most advanced 3D scanning facility, we encountered the Department for Ecological Networks at Darmstadt University of Technology. We...
In light of this academic's perspective, it is evident that there is a compelling need to employ an unconventional and innovative approach to address the current...
Since the 1980s, Hans Kalliwoda’s work has focused on the integration of spectators in artworks, installations and interventions. His conceptual art has been exhibited...
Matthijs Schouten is a distinguished Dutch ecologist and philosopher who worked for a long time at the Dutch Forestry Commission. At the same time, he took on the role...
Uncoincidental meeting: A strong interest in RefuBees We were honoured to receive an invitation for a lobbying visit to the Bavarian parliament, located in Munich....
In his capacity as the Scientific Director of the Botanical Garden at Delft University of Technology, Bob Ursem delivered a compelling address during the unveiling...
City versus country: Where wild bees flourish In 2018, a scientific study brought to light the startling finding that wild bees not only survive but even thrive in...
Network
Our Network concerns itself with a small but very important world, the one of wild bees and pollinators in an urban context.
How does the establishment of an interdisciplinary network focused on the pollination crisis contribute to addressing this critical issue and what role do knowledge networks and multidisciplinary approaches play in this effort?
Network
In our quest to assemble an interdisciplinary team of specialists to devise working methodologies on implementing a research project that should function as a blue...
Rosa works as a PhD candidate in the Urban Ecology Design Lab at Delft University of Technology. In her research, Rosa focuses on the transformative design of...
Our association with Arie Koster commenced in 2014 and has encompassed a diverse range of collaborative endeavours. His involvement has been instrumental, providing...
Introduction: Visit to the Munich/Nymphenburg Botanical Garden The task of preventing the extinction of the complete spectrum of pollinator species is a challenge most...
In our quest to find Europe's most advanced 3D scanning facility, we encountered the Department for Ecological Networks at Darmstadt University of Technology. We...
As we continuously seek out progressive people in the realm of urban ecology across Europe, we serendipitously crossed paths with Gabino. Shortly thereafter, we...
We were honoured to receive an invitation for a lobbying visit on behalf of wild bees and biodiversity to the Bavarian parliament. During the second session, we had the...
While his office is located at the Nature Museum in Salzburg, the best way to encounter him is by strolling along the banks of the Danube during the peak flying season...
He serves as the focal point for specialised matters concerning zoology and the knowledge of zoological species, with a particular emphasis on wild bees, birds, and...
The urgent concern of insect mortality Wolfgang Weisser leads the Chair for Terrestrial Ecology within the Department for Life Science Systems at Munich University of...
Symposia
Symposia
A symposium is a focused academic event where experts share opinions on a chosen topic in a formal setup.
How can the unconferencing approach, which encourages participant-driven dynamics and idea exchange, enhance the traditional symposium model and lead to tangible solutions in events?
De Balie is a prominent platform for discussions on art, culture, and politics in Amsterdam. In the series The Frontrunners, Teun van de Keuken meets people who are...
Venue and setting: Raitenhaslach Monastery as the ideal backdrop We're organising a multidisciplinary symposium to explore methodologies for creating 'Cities as...
A symposium is a focused academic event where experts share opinions on a chosen topic in a formal setup, often held at esteemed locations and centered around a single...
As part of Hans Kalliwoda's PhDArts trajectory, he initiated and organised a symposium titled 'The Inner City as Nature Reserve!' This avant-garde and visionary...
BeeTotems
The creation of ‘BeeClans’ via BeeTotems, tailored for different native bee species in urban settings, creates biotopes and stimulates active participation among local residents.
How does the BeeTotem project combine sociological, ecological, and educational elements through performative acts, sculptures, and scientific research to transform the City into a temporary nature reserve for pollinators?
Beetotems
The children wanted it - the teachers wanted it - the mayors wanted it - the local academia wanted it - the local community wanted it - the Salzburg Nature Museum...
Exploring Totemism: Ancient Practices and Modern Art As an integral part of his PhDArts journey, Hans Kalliwoda embarked upon an exploration of totemism, an ancient...
'A healthy social cohesion is a precondition for ecological sustainability' Hans Kalliwoda Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices BeeTotems serve not only as...
Within a BeeTotem project in an urban neighbourhood, several key components come into play: Preparatory Phase: Local residents are actively engaged and mobilised to...
BeeTotems represent living social sculptures. with organic and anorganic up-cycling qualities. Organic circularity in the BeeTotem: a closed system for sustainability...
The mobile BeeCircus is a versatile vehicle that quickly creates an intimate circus space accommodating around 35 people. This innovative setup includes a stage...
Uncoincidental meeting: A strong interest in RefuBees We were honoured to receive an invitation for a lobbying visit to the Bavarian parliament, located in Munich....
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the broader environment requires a substantial educational journey. In...
Case Studies
Case Studies
Our story unfolds in 2014 when scientific research revealed a surprising truth: wild bees not only survive but thrive in urban settings when compared to the countryside.
What methodologies are employed and what are the evaluation processes when creating case studies that support a entire range of RefuBees?
Bronze Furrow Bee
The Bronze Furrow Bee is difficult to spot, because of its small size, however it’s one of the most common wild bee species in this country.
Mignonette Yellow-face Bee
A small, slender bee with a shiny black body. Males display distinctive white or yellow face markings that resemble a ‘mask.’ Unlike many bees, this species has very little body hair, which can lead to confusion with wasps or flies.
Orange-vented Mason Bee
These solitary bees are widespread but rare. They are oligolectic, pollen specialists which are restricted to one plant genus or plant family.
Rampion Scissor Bee
What makes it interesting is that this bee is oligolectic, meaning it is dependent on only one particular plant species for its pollen and nectar.
Evaluation talk with hosts Marleen and Hermingard on the BeeTotem project at the Admiralengracht Amsterdam
Deep investigation into practice-based research Europewide Here we want to provide a brief overview on what has up to this point in time been done in regards to...
Uncoincidental meeting: A strong interest in RefuBees We were honoured to receive an invitation for a lobbying visit to the Bavarian parliament, located in Munich....
Videography Hans Kalliwoda / Interview Jelle Baars Interview Jan
In his capacity as the Scientific Director of the Botanical Garden at Delft University of Technology, Bob Ursem delivered a compelling address during the unveiling...
City versus country: Where wild bees flourish In 2018, a scientific study brought to light the startling finding that wild bees not only survive but even thrive in...
Beecircus
BeeCircus
The BeeCircus embodies the philosophies of positivity and open-mindedness, aiming to unite and inspire individuals concerned about our world’s future.
How does the BeeCircus utilise ‘infotainment’ as a means of raising awareness and promoting active participation in local communities, and what is the broader impact it aims to achieve through this unique approach?
The mobile BeeCircus is a versatile vehicle that quickly creates an intimate circus space accommodating around 35 people. This innovative setup includes a stage...
Education
In the sphere of education, considerable resources have been dedicated to organising symposia, creating bee performances and circus acts, delivering lectures, fostering networking, and, notably, instituting enduring, hands-on programs tailored for students in numerous educational institutions.
How can the Bee Totems and Sidewalk tiles be utilised to encourage individuals to recognise their integral role in the natural world and empower them to actively contribute to environmental preservation, particularly through educational programs?
education
After the presentation at the AMS Congress ‘Reinventing the City’ a student walked up to me … excuse the shaky hands
Unveiling the Intersection of Art and Ecology in wild pollinator Conservation Exploring art projects focused on bees yields a rich tapestry of creativity and concern. A...
BeeTotems represent living social sculptures. with organic and anorganic up-cycling qualities. Organic circularity in the BeeTotem: a closed system for sustainability...
Surprisingly, scientific evidence confirms that urban environments are more favourable for bees than rural areas. This phenomenon is primarily driven by polluted soil...
The mobile BeeCircus is a versatile vehicle that quickly creates an intimate circus space accommodating around 35 people. This innovative setup includes a stage...
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the broader environment requires a substantial educational journey. In...
Media
Media
Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the development processes accomplished by thorough documentation and storytelling using audiovisual materials.
What specific visual elements are you interested in viewing?
The children wanted it - the teachers wanted it - the mayors wanted it - the local academia wanted it - the local community wanted it - the Salzburg Nature Museum...
After the presentation at the AMS Congress ‘Reinventing the City’ a student walked up to me … excuse the shaky hands
Evaluation talk with hosts Marleen and Hermingard on the BeeTotem project at the Admiralengracht Amsterdam
De Balie is a prominent platform for discussions on art, culture, and politics in Amsterdam. In the series The Frontrunners, Teun van de Keuken meets people who are...
The TU Darmstadt is at the forefront of 3D scanning technology. The Dutch Nature Museum Naturalis in Leiden has generously provided us with the original specimens of...
Videography Hans Kalliwoda / Interview Jelle Baars Interview Jan
Sponsors and Grants
If financial resources were available in abundance, how might we enhance innovations and nature conservation efforts to ensure not only the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity but also the survival of mankind in our contemporary context, where environmental challenges pose significant threats to our existence?
Sponsors and Grants
In our quest to find Europe's most advanced 3D scanning facility, we encountered the Department for Ecological Networks at Darmstadt University of Technology. We...
Uncoincidental meeting: A strong interest in RefuBees We were honoured to receive an invitation for a lobbying visit to the Bavarian parliament, located in Munich....
The City as Nature Reserve and the BeeTotems for RefuBees project, is a collective achievement, realised through shared efforts with a holistic vision, prioritising...
FAQ
FAQ
Once upon a time in the enchanted forest of EcoVille, the animals decided to form the “Fellowship of Animal Questions” or FAQ for short. It all started when a squirrel named Sammy asked a question that left everyone baffled. ‘Why do insects suffer harm when they drink groundwater?’ he inquired, scratching his furry head.
Do you have a question too?
RefuBees operates as a prototype and long-term case study at the intersection of art, ecology, and civic engagement. Since 2012, the project has developed and tested...
Exploring Totemism: Ancient Practices and Modern Art As an integral part of his PhDArts journey, Hans Kalliwoda embarked upon an exploration of totemism, an ancient...
Bees do much better in inner cities than in the countryside – streets, squares and neighbourhoods are dedicated to diverse species of wild bee. It is hard to believe,...
BeeTotems represent living social sculptures. with organic and anorganic up-cycling qualities. Organic circularity in the BeeTotem: a closed system for sustainability...
In the Netherlands alone, there exist 360 distinct bee species. Among these, the honey bee is just one; the rest comprise wild bees, which significantly contribute to...
In light of this academic's perspective, it is evident that there is a compelling need to employ an unconventional and innovative approach to address the current...
A symposium is a focused academic event where experts share opinions on a chosen topic in a formal setup, often held at esteemed locations and centered around a single...
Once upon a time in the enchanted forest of EcoVille, the animals decided to form the 'Fellowship of Animal Questions' or FAQ for short. It all started when a squirrel...
Press
In a picturesque European village plagued by peculiar headlines in the local paper, ‘The Polder Echo,’ a resident named Dirk learned to read between the lines. One day, an article titled ‘River Mystery” caught his attention, describing unusual froth and disappearing fish. Dirk’s intuition kicked in, and he realised the pollution problem was hidden in plain sight.
Did you hear this story too?
Press
Meeting with Caspar Hallmann: network goals and support for RefuBees. In late Spring 2023, we paid a visit to Caspar Hallmann at Radbout University in Nijmegen,...
In a picturesque European village plagued by peculiar headlines in the local paper, 'The Polder Echo,' a resident named Dirk learned to read between the lines. One day,...