Queen Máxima visits HKU expo at Dutch Design Week

26 October 2023

The Dutch Queen Máxima made a visit to the exposition Class of 23 at the Dutch Design Week, on Thursday 26 October. This exposition shows the work of recently graduated talents of HKU and other art academies. Máxima had talks with the creators and HKU directors about the exhibition and the importance of the Dutch Design Week for starting designers.

For Class of 23, nine recently graduated alumni of HKU composed the collective exhibition, in which they show how they relate themselves to several social themes. The works of the alumni range from technological to hand-made, creating a very diverse and complete image.

Máxima spoke of her desire to get to know young talents, and showed a great interest in the works of the HKU graduates: ‘These stories are not just relevant, but also look very aesthetical. It clearly shows what young people have on their mind, while they are clearly in charge in the ways that they show it.’

Photo credit: Max Kneefel

Dutch Design Week is a nine-day annual event that is held every October in Eindhoven. It’s the largest design event in Northern Europe, presenting works and concepts of over 2,600 designers to over 350,000 visitors. Dutch Design Week brings together all disciplines of design, both in its artistic and practical applications. The emphasis lies on experimenting, innovating and cross-overs, with special attention for the works and personal development of young talents. HKU traditionally has a strong presence at the event.

Want to learn more about HKU at the Dutch Design Week? Go to https://www.hku.nl/en/the-works/projects/hku-op-de-ddw\

Photo credit: Max Kneefel