This week the smart urban stage opened its doors in Amsterdam. This exhibition slash meeting point can be found near the RAI. Just like the previous editions in Berlin, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Madrid and Brussels in 2010, smart urban stage Amsterdam takes place in a temporary, specially designed location, called “The inflate”. The concept for the inflate was awarded the Red Dot Award for communication design in summer 2010.

Five of Amsterdams most reputable creative minds were invited to select two projects that they wanted to put on display during a exhibition called future minds. Each project revolves around new technologies&ideas and ecological solutions for the future of our city. At the close of the exhibition on April 28, the curators will select the three most innovative projects during an awardshow. The first prize of the smart future minds award is endowed with €10,000. The winners of the first prize will go on to take part in an international final, the winner of which will be determined at the end of 2011.

One of the participating projects is the Uniform Project. In 2009, Sheena Matheiken came up with an unusual creative challenge; to wear the same dress for an entire year – but, and this is where the real challenge came in, she’d have to make it look unique every single day. She also vowed to make the challenge more meaningful by turning it into a fundraiser to send less fortunate kids to school. The Uniform Project became a huge success and has been copied in many countries. Needless to say this is a very creative way of fundraising!

Curious about the other projects at the future minds exhibition? Pay a visit to the smart urban stage or check their blog. You can also attend the Nuit Blanche Soiree (April 21) or Pecha Kucha night (April 27) that will take place at the smart urban stage, where more innovative ideas will be presented.