RESEARCH
Imagination in transitions
With the help of the SPRONG subsidy scheme, the research project 'Imagination in Transitions' is being carried out. In this project, an umbrella research group of nine sub-research groups from four universities of applied sciences is working together in the Centre of Expertise for Creative Innovation to investigate and unlock creative methods for social issues.
INVOLVED
Amsterdam University of the Arts, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Municipality of Amsterdam, KNAW, Amsterdam Public Library, Warehouse the Silent, AMS Foundation, De Waag Society Foundation, Imagine Identity and Culture Foundation, The Beach
DURATION TIME
8 years
KEMs
'Creativity makes change possible.'
The social challenge
Increasingly, the world is asking for change. How should we deal with the energy transition, the food transition, the security challenge, the information society, climate adaptation, polarization, etc. now and in the future? These are enormously complex challenges that require a multidisciplinary approach. The cultural and creative sector also plays a major role in this, but the unique value and impact of art and creativity must be much more clearly placed on all social agendas.
Creativity makes change possible. The creative capacity of the individual and society is strengthened by the arts, the creative industry and the design sector. Creativity helps us understand what is going on and enables us to think about how best to deal with it. Creativity makes room to see and approach problems from new, disruptive and non-solution-oriented angles.
Imagination is needed to step 'outside the bubble'. With imagination, people can, individually or collectively, imagine a 'different' situation. This is necessary to enable inclusive participation. By imagining, experiencing and feeling, we create new scenarios for the future. Not only to provide solutions but also to expose existing problems.
The research
The researchers will deploy various design, artistic and making approaches, test them, measure their effects and prepare them for upscaling as key enabling methodologies (KEMs). If this works, these KEMs can provide new perspectives on work for the creative and cultural sector. To organize this, a broad implementation framework with six work packages has been designed, consisting of:
- observatory – Organizing learning events where researchers and partners can experience creative methodologies together, share knowledge and expertise about them, and delve into each other's work environments, contexts, needs, expectations and language.
- workshops – Investing in local initiators at six locations in the city of Amsterdam who set up workshops where creative methods can be used in practical issues.
- intervention research – The scientific framework that ensures correct data collection, analysis and provision of empirical evidence regarding the functioning of the creative methodologies.
- knowledge circulation – Disseminating the results more widely, reaching and involving other key stakeholders and broadening the platform;
- education – Interweaving activities in higher vocational education by deploying teachers and students.
- management – Facilitating optimal design and monitoring of the implementation of all objectives, and effectively organizing all activities.
The result
The project is currently still in progress.
For more information, please visit https://www.coeci.nl/s/.