This white paper (in Dutch) argues the importance of Werkplaats voor de toekomst (Workplace for the Future) for the Netherlands and highlights examples that spark imagination.
Download the white paper (pdf)
Climate change, geopolitical tensions and technological disruption are causing considerable concern about the future of the world. Many citizens are facing great uncertainty and have limited control over their lives. The combination of uncertainty and lack of control can lead to poorer health, is a source of social unrest and is linked to images and beliefs that can be at odds with the democratic rule of law. How can we increase resilience, personal and collective control over society? And how can we translate this into the capacity for change needed for the major transitions we are currently undergoing?
The answer lies in the ability to imagine and create. Those who can imagine a better future can also work towards it. Those who have the knowledge and tools to turn ideas into action gain autonomy and a perspective for action (Fabcity, 2022, p. 93; Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, 2022). Werkplaats voor de toekomst is a place where three forces – imagination, connection and practical skills – come together.
Collaboration between cultural workshops
The cultural landscape is fragmented. As a result, the power of culture is underutilised in transitions. By collaborating on imagination, connection and skills, cultural workshops can harness the power of change in society. Werkplaats voor de toekomst is formed by a strong core of cultural organisations at the intersection of art, technology and craftsmanship, also known as cultural workshops, where programming is created in collaboration with local initiatives and residents. The programming appeals to curiosity, wonder and imagination and gets people moving.
With a network of cultural workshops, Werkplaats voor de toekomst is building a Netherlands that is less dependent on external forces, where citizens have real control over their own environment and communities are strengthened. In this white paper, we argue the importance of Werkplaats voor de toekomst for the Netherlands and highlight examples that appeal to the imagination.
Download the white paper (pdf)
The whitepaper is published in Dutch.