Femke Hoppenbrouwer combines design and social practices to challenge stigmas in society. Her work subverts stereotypes and introduces alternative narratives to fixed patterns and ways of thinking. In her latest work, Het Scootmobiel Dans Collectief  (The Mobility Scooter Dance Collective), she collaborates with a community of users of mobility scooters in the Netherlands to reframe the perception linked to these vehicles and its users, which often carry a social stigma rooted in ageism and ableism. Femke merges community collaboration with field-based research and artistic experimentation. Playing with the detailing that embodies larger topics, her work proposes new perspectives and reveals overlooked aspects of society.

Femke initiated Het Scootmobiel Dans Collectief, the first dance collective of people using a mobility scooter as an extension of their body. While these scooters are widely used in the Netherlands and enhance the quality of life for those with impaired mobility, they still face social stigma. The collective performs choreographed dances, amplifying the visibility of the mobility scooter community and aiming to destigmatise their use. They collectively explore and execute the routines in a vibrant example of the beauty and joy of the vehicles. An accompanying documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the performance, showcasing the self-dependency, social connections, and joy within the collective. Femke’s work combines her expertise in visual design, art direction, and social engagement, addressing social issues with creativity and impact. She graduated with a Social Design Master from the Design Academy Eindhoven.

femkehoppenbrouwer.com