Blending the unique strengths of Istanbul and Amsterdam. FreshGround aspires to cultivate a vibrant and connected creative community that transcends geographical limits. With a primary aim of inspiring students to collaborate, concentrating on nurturing cross-cultural collaboration and inspiration among students in both cities, fostering the growth of a dynamic global creative community.

- Whenever I visited Istanbul, I not only returned with fresh inspiration and new insights but found that my approach to drawing and painting had transformed. It dawned on me that there was something about the city itself. This realization wasn't surprising, considering the diverse artworks I encountered in museums and art shows featuring Istanbul-based artists. It got me thinking about the unique information and perspectives this city offered to creators—something unattainable in my hometown, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam shaped me into who I am, teaching me how to adeptly apply information to create something new. So, the idea struck me: why not unite these two worlds and share these influences with emerging artists? Especially when they are separated by kilometers, grounded by financial constraints or visa issues, and some unable to leave the country except through programs like Erasmus, which isn't always accessible or suitable for everyone.

This led to the creation of FreshGround—an online, non-profit, open-source platform. Here, students from Istanbul and Amsterdam can freely exchange their work, share diverse perspectives on society, inspire one another, and potentially collaborate. The aim is to bridge the geographical and cultural gap, providing a space for creative exploration and connection despite the physical distance.