How Ethnically Diverse Is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one city that has a unique and definitive character in terms of its culture among other European cities. Many people have chosen it as a home and it has over 180 nationalities from across the world. This has made it the most diverse city in Europe as it accommodates different cultures with a large number of people coming from Morocco and Turkey.

Many ethnic minorities move to Amsterdam thus make it one city with the highest diverse groups. They have made the capital their home city and introduced their cultures. Thinking about moving to Amsterdam? Currently, you have to present a COVID-19 test that shows you safe to relocate to the Netherlands.

Diversity in Amsterdam

Maximilian Lang –Orsini, an artist living in Amsterdam describes the city to be quite ethnically diverse. Besides, the great diverse culture gives a market to his artwork. Also, there has been an influx in the number of ethnic groups that move here making the city incredibly well-rounded. Consequently, there is a good chance that over the next few years most people in Amsterdam will be born abroad and will have their grandparents overseas.

Community

Amsterdam has different communities that have their way of life. This is what makes Amsterdam vibrant and multi-faceted.

There is unlimited freedom to join any community you want and make friends with. People here have a rich cultural heritage in arts, food and music. Be part of any community and enjoy the culture.

Social life

Ethnical diversity brings about a huge variety of social life habits. There are different food joints, cafes and bars that offer a different kind of stuff. Maximilian Lang-Orsini finds the city good to promote his Dutch artwork by interacting with the tourists and expats who travel to Amsterdam.

Attractions

Amsterdam is a jovial city that rich in culture and bursts with a lot of attractions in the world. Additionally, the beautiful artwork is worth it. For instance, if you love Dutch art then there is a range of artwork to view from different ethnicities.

You can get souvenirs or buy exhibits to take to your country. This diversity makes it a perfect place for all people from different countries.

Queer groups

This capital boasts as the best go-to place for any sexuality. Bisexuals can thrive freely as there are also laws that protect same-sex partnerships. Besides, this means there is zero discrimination against anyone and you can enjoy your life your way.

Anti-discriminatory measures

Amsterdam has people of different races, sexuality and social background. Therefore, as a capital that values diversity in society, there are policies in place regarding migrants. It has a firm stance regarding discrimination that protects each person and goes as far as funding the ethnic minorities. Furthermore, the extensive cultural life gives room for a socially fulfilled life for whichever community you choose to partake in.

Bottom line

Different ethnic minority groups move to Amsterdam making its ethnical diversity be at its peak. There are over 180 nationalities in this capital and it is attracting more due to the quality of life there. Moreover, don’t miss out on the great lifestyle and lot of culture in Amsterdam.

By Max Lang-Orsini

Why Painting Soothes The Soul – Max Lang-Orsini

Art And The Soul

You have probably heard that watching paint dry can be oddly therapeutic. However, did you know that art itself can help ease and soothe the human soul? There are many mental benefits associated with art. Max Lang-Orsini, an aspiring artist has testified to turning to art as a relief and escape from the mental turmoil that life has put him through.

The Coronavirus pandemic has led to self-isolation of many individuals who live alone. People working abroad or in new environments suffered depression and loneliness during the lockdown since they had no one to socialize or talk to. As humans, such isolation may have taken a toll on the minds of most people.

How Painting Art Can Benefit The Mind:

Helps Treat Or Prevent Depression

Many of the greatest artists in history such as Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Munch and many more struggled with mental illnesses like depression at some point. This leads to the belief that artists are more likely to suffer with mental health issues.

However, a study carried out at (RCAC), Research Center for Arts and Culture, found that artists such as painters experience fewer feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression than the average person. The research also revealed that artists are more likely to have a high morale about themselves and life.

In another study, scientists found that people with moderate to severe forms of depression experienced an improvement in their mental health after taking up the creative side and started using painting and visual arts as part of their treatment.

Neuroscientists are still trying to figure out how visual art impacts the mental health of individuals. One thing for certain is that artists and painters have used their craft over the centuries to work through their emotions and express themselves during difficult and dark times in life, and sometimes to cope, it’s where the term ‘art therapy’ comes from.

Helps You Cope With Stress

Many painters claim that there is nothing else in this world as relaxing and soothing as painting. Getting into the flow of a good paint can be a relief to the mind. Painting helps to take your mind off the problems you are facing. In some cases, painting has been compared to meditation.

Therapy based on art is continuously proving to be so effective in helping people cope with stress. The special kind of paint therapy is now used as a tool for treating individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Thanks to technology, there is advance in neuroscience and imaging of the brain. Scientists are now beginning to understand what happens to the brain when you find ways to express yourself artistically through painting and other forms of art.

In Germany, researchers found that people who spent time coming up with visual arts through painting and other forms of art, showed increased levels of connectivity to their brains, during MRI scans.

The people also demonstrated great improvement in their psychological resilience. The research demonstrated that painting could help individuals cope with negative emotions during hard times, and manage to find reasons to be happy when life becomes tough.

If you have been suffering from poor mental health, maybe all you need to do is take up a painting class. As proved by research, oil on a canvas is a cheap and easy way to relieve the mind from stress and anxiety. You can also watch painting videos on YouTube, such as Bob Ross, in case you do not know how to paint and cannot enroll into a painting class.

How Ethnically Diverse Is Amsterdam? – Max Lang-Orsini

If you are thinking of travelling to Amsterdam, you will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test before entering.

Amsterdam is known as one of the most ethnically diverse places in the entirety of Europe. But, putting this at competition with the rest of the world, how exactly is ethnically diverse within Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

The Diverse Ethnicity Within Amsterdam

To put this in perspective, Amsterdam has one of the largest numbers of ethnic minorities not just in the EU, but across the globe. The past 5 or so decades has been the most crucial for Amsterdam’s diversity within ethnic groups and has seen many ethnicities from different countries travel here. It is said that half of Amsterdam is expected to have grandparents from another country.

The Legal Measures

Typically, diversity within a country usually means there will be legal measures put in place to avoid discriminatory beliefs. There are many put in place, regardless if it’s race or sexuality or even gender, Amsterdam speaks loudly on their stance against discrimination.

Anti-Discrimination

Since amsterdam speaks loud and clearly about their diverse society, the time and effort it devotes to protecting the fundamentals of Amsterdam is incredible. It is known that Amsterdam even funds the small formation of ethnic minority groups.

You’d be surprised to hear that in 1996, the ‘Municipality of Amsterdam’ added a code of conduct for their local authority and employees to help prevent complaints and scenarios where anti-discrimination takes place.

This Municipality has implemented five points to help the shaping policies of the incoming migrants to Amsterdam. The services in Amsterdam need to reflect its ever changing population, and these policies are in place to help reflect that.

Emancipation Of Women

Many experience discrimination, even based on their sexuality and Amsterdam stands strongly against this. Amsterdam created a service to deal with complaints regarding the legal and social aspect of women in society since 1995.

Furthermore, the addresses of hundreds of organisations that have helped provide aid for the emancipation of women have been included in the yellow pages for women. This was published by the Multicultural Emancipation Bureau.

Amsterdam & It’s Support Of The LGBT Rights

The dutch capital that is Amsterdam, is listed by the ‘International Gay Travel Association’ as the best destination to travel to for those that are of another sexuality than heterosexual. The city of Amsterdam and it’s actions are clear that they focus on fighting discrimination against members of the LGBT community.

There is a memorial (the homomonument) to remember the dark times that occurred, this is located near the Westerkerk church. The memorial includes three pink triangles dedicated to the victims of discrimination and mental & physical harm of those within the LGBT community.

The former mayor of Amsterdam saw the entire countries first same-sex marriage back in 2001. A historic event was made after four same-sex couples took a moment to sign the register, allowing them to enjoy the legal status the heterosexuals experience.

The Netherlands introduced the registration of same-sex partners back in 1998, and the legislation was approved by the Dutch government in December of the year 2000.

From reading this article, it is safe to say that Amsterdam is a well diverse city, and with it’s ever-so-fast population growth rate, the diversity will only further increase. Amsterdam has a great culture, especially in art, and I would encourage you to get a glimpse at this incredible city.

Written By: Max Lang-Orsini

What Are Must-See Attractions In Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one of the most diverse and culture-rich cities in the world. Although Amsterdam is only small, this city is still bursting with plenty of museums and galleries to explore, whilst also boasting wonderful canal walks and outside spaces to unwind and relax in too. Famous for its liberal attitudes, Amsterdam attracts millions of tourists from all over the globe each year. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum

This museum is a great place to start your trip. Here you can discover everything you need to know about Dutch history, dating back from 1200 to the present day. Along with original works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, this museum also hosts regular one-off exhibitions too, so there is always something new to see and enjoy.

Anne Frank House

The story of Anne Frank and her diary is famous throughout the world, and here at the Anne Frank House, visitors have the opportunity to see the main house belonging to Otto Frank, where the Frank family hid with two other families in the annex. Here you can also read extracts from Anne’s original diary and see personal objects that once belonged to the Frank family. The Anne Frank House also acts as an educational resource, making it the perfect place to visit for all ages.

Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is famous for his Post-Impressionist landscapes, portraits and self-portraits, and the Van Gogh Museum houses many of his most famous works. Along with paintings, here visitors can also enjoy reading Van Gogh’s letters which give a unique glimpse into the man behind the art.

For those who love Dutch art, current modern artist and designer Max Lang-Orsini have an exciting and emotive collection of artwork which can be viewed via his online portfolio for those looking to explore how Dutch art has evolved since Van Gogh.

Dam Square

As one of the most central points of Amsterdam, Dam Square provides a focal meeting point and is home to some of Amsterdam’s most notable and famous buildings.

Built during the 13th Century, here you can enjoy views of the Koninklijk Palace, also known as the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, which often hosts a variety of exhibitions, along with the Dam Square monument, which commemorates those who perished during World War II. Dam Square is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and relax in one of its traditional bars and cafes.

Vondelpark

Named after the poet Vondel and opened to the public in 1865, the Vondelpark is the biggest park of its kind in Amsterdam and boasts over 10 million visitors a year. Located close to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, this park is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Aside from its natural beauty, the Vondelpark also hosts concerts and open-air theatre performances in the summer months and has a restaurant, pavilion and a children’s playground, making it the ideal place to enjoy with all the family.