Tilburg, the inclusive city? Photo exhibition at the university
‘In our country, no one left behind,’ reads a slogan of the Dutch government. Yet, it is troubling that more and more people are being pushed to the margins and are not fully participating in our society. Photographer Ton Toemen questions the inclusive society with an exhibition next to the auditorium of Tilburg University.
Where does Tilburg stand in 2024 when it comes to inclusivity? Policy documents state that Tilburg aims to be a city where communities move closer together, making it one city in its diversity. An inclusive city, enriched by the power of diversity and everyone’s unique qualities.
The reality is often different. Photographer Ton Toemen encounters it almost daily. ‘In my hometown of Tilburg, I increasingly see people with a migrant background, equipped with a grabber and a reflective vest, picking up litter from the streets. At night, Polish temp workers, on rental bikes from the employment agency, cycle to the distribution centers on the industrial estate.
‘Migrants clean our (semi-)government buildings and businesses. Often at the crack of dawn. By the time normal life resumes, everything is spic and span.’
The contrast between ideal and reality led to a photo series that explores the frayed edges of inclusivity. This raises uncomfortable but necessary questions. Is inclusivity truly for everyone? And if not, who is left out and why?
Exhibition
The exhibition ‘Tilburg, the inclusive city?’ will be on display from September 2, 2024, next to the auditorium of the Cobbenhagen building at Tilburg University. The photos will be on display for three months.
The exhibition is accompanied by a reflective essay written by Bart Smout, editor-in-chief of the independent university magazine Univers. Admission is free.
About the photographer
Since graduating in 1993 from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Ton Toemen has been working as a photographer.
In addition to commissioned work, he initiates many personal projects. He sees the photographic exploration of social and societal themes, in the form of photo essays and portraits, as a way to examine societies and find answers.
His work has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, including Trouw, De Volkskrant, NRC, Vrij Nederland, De Groene Amsterdammer, De Morgen, Financial Times, National Geographic, and Univers.
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