Visual arts centre Stroom Den Haag has opened the latest in a series of stores in The Netherlands that let people exchange a service for credit. The Time/Bank in Maastricht enables people to combine their skills and perform tasks for others in exchange for Hour Notes. This currency can then be exchanged for a service or product provided by someone else.  The project has no geographical boundaries, so people can draw on resources from others around the world.

We’ve seen new local currencies that encourage people to shop within their community, such as the Brixton Pound in London. But the Time/Bank lets people trade without the need for a monetary transaction, while promoting community and adding value to actions and exchanges that already take place. We hope to see more Time/Banks opening in cities around the world.