Inès Buter
CONTACT
Email: inesbuter@hotmail.com
Instagram
Feel free to contact me for art or educational projects related to collectivity, ecology, gardening, working with natural materials, community engagement, critical inquiry into systems, eco-feminism, food systems or practices engaging with food, artistic research, or other research methodologies.
I also curiously welcome inquiries beyond these areas.
Artist statement
My practice does not begin with the autonomous art object, but with connection: to place, to the people and living beings who inhabit it, and to the site-specific knowledge already present. I approach art as a shared practice in which making, learning, sharing, and living are intertwined. This can take shape through installations, rituals, collaborative projects, communal meals, gardening, ceramics, publications, events, and site-specific artistic research.
For me, “the other” is not separate, but part of the same complex network of relationships—connecting organisms, fungi, plants, animals, humans, and processes of life and decay. This interdependence creates a sense of shared responsibility, as our actions are always part of these ongoing relations and inevitably affect the living systems we are embedded in. In my work, I aim to cultivate environments of attention, exchange, and care where interconnectedness can be experienced. Art can expand how we perceive the world; it can create spaces that are both inviting and thought-provoking, and give voice to feelings and stories that help us question dominant systems and narratives.
Collaboration is central to my practice.
As co-founder and member of VELD Collectief, I work within an interdisciplinary structure based on exchange and shared authorship. From our studio at the Suikerterrein in Groningen, we engage with the northern Dutch landscape—agricultural fields, salt marshes, peatlands, and wetlands—as active participants in the work.
Through site-specific projects, we develop installations, material practices, a living archive in the form of a garden, publications, community events, educational programs, performances, and culinary experiences in collaboration with local communities, farmers, gardeners, and others connected to the land. These proceses open up space for shared knowledge and collective ways of relating to places.
Photo: Veld Collectief
CV
Education, Additional Education and Certificates2019- 2024
Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen – Minerva Art Academy
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education (B.A.)
2023–2024
Terra MBO
Assistant Gardener Course
Certificate obtained
2013–2017
Cibap Vocational School, Zwolle
MBO Level 4 – Spatial Design
Graduated
Innovation Atelier: Diversity and Inclusion
Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen
Part of a research group on inclusivity and diversity, led by Karolien Dons
2021
Honours Programme Certificate -
Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen
First Aid (BHV) Certificate
2023-202
Awards2025
Winner: Groninger Beeldende Kunst Stipendium LAND
– VELD Collectief
2024
Winner Art education Prize
Academy Minerva awards
2024
Nominee, Art & Research Prijs Academy Minerva
2017
Nominee: Cibap Talent Award
Selection of
ProjectsUpcoming
Nieuwe Gilde Festival – De Proef, Frederiksoord (July 2026) – VELD Collective
Site-responsive artistic contribution within the Nieuwe Gilde Festival programme.
Herman de Vries – Natural Relations × VELD Collective & BLOCK C (Sept 2026)
Collaboration within the Natural Relations programme, supported by the Mondriaan Fund.
Haunted by Waters – Into Nature (Julu 2026)
Opening performance and edible installation.
VHDG Tour – OERZETTERS (2027) – VELD Collectief
Travelling exhibition and public programme.
Surroundings – Sense of Space (2027) – VELD Collectief
Community-based project exploring harvesting practices, landscape, and place-making.
Levend Archief - Publication (end of 2026) – VELD Collectief
Publication documenting collective artistic research into food, ecology, and landscape.
SPARKLAB × De Rijzende Popschool (2026–2027)
Co-developer and facilitator of a multidisciplinary educational programme for children from earthquake-affected areas in Groningen and their communities.
Climate Quilts (2026–2027)
Lecturer and collaborator in an interdisciplinary European project transforming underused urban areas into interconnected green spaces through artistic and ecological practices.
2026 - Projects
Garden Sessions / ‘Tuinsessies’ – VELD Collectief
Series of small-scale community gatherings exploring food, ecology, and collective learning. Activities include learning to identify plants, reading and discussing texts, sharing meals, and making things together, such as insect hotels.
Selected participant, artist roundtable by We the North, hosted by MOBI, NP3 (2026)
Joined artists from diverse disciplines to discuss visibility in the Northern Netherlands from the perspective of artistic practice.
Zonnewende Festival – De Salon, De Biotoop, Haren
Co-organisation and co-production of a non-profit cultural event.
Bodembedekkers – Wongema, Hornhuizen
Edible installation, performance, curation, and artistic research exploring women’s contributions to landscape stewardship in the Northern Netherlands.
Heyerdahl MDT – Trefpunt Groningen, Stichting Tamino
Guest lectures exploring artistic thinking within special education and community-based learning.
Climate Quilts – Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen (EU Project)
Guest lecturer and collaborator in an interdisciplinary European project exploring artistic and ecological approaches to urban regeneration, including the development of an edible installation for the closing event and mentoring students throughout the process towards their final presentation
FUTURE LAB – Alfa College MBO
Development of educational materials focused on artistic thinking, clay, foraging, and food cultures.
Hybrid Art Guest Lecture – Academy Minerva (March 2026)
Guest lecture on artistic research and site-specific practice at the Suikerterrein, Groningen.
Smartlab Groningen (March 2026)
Development of interdisciplinary educational sessions combining art, philosophy, and food.
Seed Market Meerhuizen – VELD Collectief (March 2026)
Installation and exchange platform centred on heirloom seeds, biodiversity, and food sovereignty.
Field Research Tour – VELD Collectief (Feb–Apr 2026)
Artistic research into seed heritage, food narratives, and food sovereignty, resulting in a living archive garden.
De Salon – De Biotoop, Haren
Multidisciplinary fundraising event in solidarity with the people of Iran.
BIOWAD – Wongema, Hornhuizen
Installative dining experience developed in collaboration with farmers from Het Hogeland and artist Linn Morsink.
Let’s Gro Festival – Food Security – Academy Minerva (2025–2026)
Educational programme on food sovereignty and food waste, developed in collaboration with Let’s Gro Festival and the Municipality of Groningen. Co-hosted with Rina Hellinga.
2025 - Projects
Into Nature / Network for Culture & Nature – “Het Moeras spreekt” (2024–2025)
One-year artistic research trajectory in the Onlanden wetland area, with public outcomes, collaborations, and installations.
Pictura Groningen – Workshop: Hydrosol of Your Environment
Public programme workshop exploring local plant waters and distillation processes. One session in collaboration with Ilse Donker
Pictura Groningen – “The Wind Is Always There, No Exceptions”
Group exhibition in collaboration with INTO Nature and Network for Culture & Nature. Opening installation developed with VELD Collectief.
VELD Collectief – The Three sisters / the Living Archive (2025–2026)
Collective artistic research project exploring symbiosis, food sovereignty, and seed systems.
Ecology & Art in Transition – Academie Minerva (2024–2025)
One-year Art programme with Susanne Luurs and Noa Bakker. Building on a communal garden developed during my graduation project and a collaboration with the practoraat GREEN = ART, we followed the rhythms of the land as a foundation for artistic practice. The programme explored how artists can build communities, work with landscapes, and design future-oriented practices in a time of ecological and social transition.
Food Film Fest × VELD Collectief × Terra MBO – “Seeds of Resistance” (Nov)
Installation featuring paper seeds, metal, forgotten beans, and textile and clay capsules containing harvested seeds from our garden.
Suikerbrij Festival × VELD Collectief – “Soil Fermentations” (Sep)
Installation involving kefir cultured drinks and clay.
Alfa College MBO, Groningen – Expedition Programme (9 Sep)
Garden workshop and communal lunch for students.
Wongema, Hornhuizen – “Alternative Realities” (Aug)
Dayprogramme exploring speculative futures 100 years ahead, co-hosted and produced with Rina Hellinga
Terug naar het Begin Festival – “Kiem Kerk” (May)
In collaboration with VELD Collectief, curated by Het Resort Groningen. A site-specific installation developed with the local community in the Maria Church.
Het Resort Groningen – Artistic Stamppot Competition
Second prize, in collaboration with Rina Hellinga. A stamppot dish combining self-made ceramics, forgotten vegetables, and seaweed.
Kunstwerk Kolderveen – Artistic Tea Ceremony
In collaboration with Beth May and Kim van den Belt (May 2025). Wild-foraged tea, storytelling, and performance.
De Vrolijkheid Assen – Mushroom Project (May–July 2025)
In collaboration with Rina Hellinga, we developed a project at the AZC Assen exploring the symbiosis of mushrooms with children through collective making. The project included building a communal table, creating mushroom hats, making kites, and a closing gathering, among other activities.
“Bodem, Buik, Brein” – Communal Meal and Recipe (Nov)
In collaboration with Liz de Vries for the programme and theatre performance Bodem, Buik, Brein, developing a local, artistic meal.
2024 - Projects
VELD Collectief – “Binnen Eb en Vloed”, Het Lage Noorden, Marrum
Installation with storytelling, videomapping of tides, and accompanying dishes.
Protein Transition × Speeddating Event – Minerva Art Academy (Dec)
Group installation, teacher role and production
Kunstzone Magazine – Interview + Editorial Design (Online, 2024)
Editorial contribution and design.
Wongema, Hornhuizen – ‘Verzamel Excursie’ × Minerva Art Academy
A workshop day on collecting as a (collective) practice.
Green is Art Festival – Group Exhibition, Suikerunie terrain, Groningen. Showing my graduation work: A cookbook for collectivity
Graduation Show – Minerva Art Academy (15–20 Jun)
Location Terra
Kunstzone Magazine – Editorial Contribution & Design Spreads
Recipes for Collectivity
Wongema – “Aardappelwandeling” (Oct)
Performance walk with zine about potatoes
Project Host – Artschool Programmes, Wongema
During one-week residencies and school programmes for students from the Rietveld Academie, WdKA, Zandberg Institute, and HKU, I supported both participants and teachers throughout the programme. I was responsible for preparing (collective) meals for the group, assisting teachers with the coordination of activities, and helping organize the final presentations. At the end presentations, I also provided feedback to students on their work.
2023 - 2022 - 2021 - Projects
PARADIGM, Groningen – Performance & Installation (2023–2024)
In collaboration with Susanne Luurs, we hosted a week for students of Minerva Art Academy and developed a performance for the Paradigm Backyard Festival.
A Manifesto for the Question?
A long-term project in collaboration with philosopher Marjolein Salemink, consisting of tours, rituals, performances, letters, and a manifesto on questioning.
Ik ben mijn muze – Book Presentation and Salon Opening From Loes Faber(Amsterdam)
Group Performance, performing Amrita Sher-Gil.
Tiny House Dorp Ten Boer – Community Project and Performance
Developed for the Garden Festival, combining community-based work and performance.
2ND Floor Exhibition – Group Exhibition - Collectief Vraagteken?
With Collectief vraagteken?, a collective I founded together with artists Joy de Vegt, Noa Bakker, and Jackie Galema, we participated in the 2nd Floor exhibition, sharing work and ideas around collectivity.
Witte Wieven – Performance and Installation
In collaboration with Susanne Luurs.
“The Space Around Us” – Suikerterrein Groningen
Artistic research on the Suikerterrein in Groningen and processes of gentrification. Developed during a residency and presented as a final exhibition in collaboration with Susanne Luurs.
Residencies
2026 – Wongema, Hornhuizen & SFYN Slow Food Network
Residency (May 2026)
2025 – DE PROEF, Frederiksoord
Artistic research residency (Nov 2025) with VELD Collectief, De Drie Zusters
2024 – Eissingeheem
Residency and group exhibition on performance art
2022 – The Space Around Us, Suikerterrein Groningen
Duo exhibition with Susanne Luurs
Selection
of jobs
CO-FOUNDER AND MEMBER - VELD collectief
VELD Collective is an interdisciplinary artist collective working as a shared organism on site-specific research mostly in the landscapes of Northern Netherlands, combining installation, community-based practices, artistic research, clay, textile, food and gardening.
Freelance – independent multidisciplinary artist, educator & project leader
commission-based projects | 2022 – present
Project management, educational trajectories, and event organisation.
clients and collaborators include: INTO Nature, Netwerk cultuur & Natuur, Minerva Art Academy, NOORDWOORD, Terra mbo, Alfa college, Northern seed market, Groninger voedseltuinen, Association Wij zijn wongema, De Vrolijkheid, Het Ziltepad, Het resort, VHDG, The Municipality of het Hogeland and The Municipality of Groningen, De Pionier, Culinary school of Groningen + more.
NOORDWOORD, Groningen – April–June 2025
Production of reading communities in neighbourhoods, in collaboration with Noordwoord and various partners.
Wongema, hornhuizen | 2021 – Present
multidisciplinary role
Co-initiator of the association ‘Wij zijn Wongema’ and former member of the organisational team, contributing to its integration within the community of hornhuizen until 2025. Focused on volunteer coördination, system development, community building, artist guidance and themed dinners. At the moment I only work here on freelance base.
Teacher & developer – “In de kas”
terra mbo | 2022
Developed and hosted a 10-lesson series for the flower & styling programme at Terra mbo, focusing on talent development, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Art education, project developer & coach Terra mbo | 2021–2022 (internship)
Teacher of food, life & innovation students. Subjects included art history, visual design, CKV (cultural and artistic education), lesson design, project supervision and mentoring sessions. Projects developed in collaboration with Christien Beukelaar focused on food waste solutions.
Expedition Alfa – Alfa college | 2019–2020 (internship)
Supervision and coaching within an excellence programme for talented students. Together with the students, a site-specific pathway with sculptures was designed for an outdoor terrain.
Press
https://omroephethogeland.nl/2026/03/23/duizenden-bezoekers-voor-zadenmarkt-in-maarhuizen-video/
https://intonature.net/programs/netwerk-cultuur-en-natuur
https://intonature.net/news/ontwikkeltraject-ines-buter-in-de-onlanden
https://kunstzone.nl/als-artist-educator-op-zoek-naar-collectiviteit/
https://dvhn.nl/cultuur/Kunstenaars-uit-Groningen-wonen-en-werken-vijf-weken-in-een-tent-op-de-voormalige-vloeivelden-van-de-oude-Suikerfabriek.-Het-is-te-begrijpen-maar-ook-erg-jammer-dat-de-wilde-natuur-straks-verdwijnt-26841807.html