Europes biggest telco wanted to identify emerging trends at the intersection of art and technology. We conduct seminars, a podcast, and a publication exploring weak signals in art and tech.
Background
The European Commission launched the New European Bauhaus Program in 2021, aimed to engage culture and arts in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and pluralistic society. Together with ELIA and the Berlin University of the Arts, we developed the Agents of Transformation Platform to bridge the gap between young creatives and decision-makers in politics and industry, facilitating meaningful dialogue on future societal challenges. The project incorporated insights from over 60 art universities across Europe and involved high-level experts in roundtable discussions and public events.
Approach
The Agents of Transformation (AOT) platform was designed to operate on an annual cycle, divided into various episodes. These episodes included student engagement, expert consultations, public dialogues, and numerous follow-up activities. The approach was multi-faceted:
Student Engagement
AOT gathered students from numerous art universities across Europe and beyond to collect their visions and expectations concerning the interplay between sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics. This involved workshops, surveys, and collaborative projects.
Expert Consultation
Relevant topic clusters and key challenges identified during the student engagement phase were discussed with suitable experts from politics and industry. This phase included roundtable discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Public Dialogue
AOT facilitated public dialogues and roundtables where students could present their ideas directly to high-level decision-makers, including commissioners and executives. These events were designed to foster open communication and collaboration.
Solutions
Collaborative Workshops and Surveys
By engaging students from over 60 art universities, AOT collected a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, fostering a rich intergenerational dialogue on sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.
Roundtable Discussions with Experts
High-level experts, including commissioners and industry executives, participated in roundtable discussions, providing valuable insights and feedback on student proposals.
Public Events and Dialogues
Organized high-profile public events where students presented their visions to decision-makers, ensuring that the voices of the next generation were heard at the highest levels of policy and industry.
Conclusion
The Agents of Transformation platform successfully connected young creatives with high-level experts and decision-makers, fostering a collaborative environment for discussing and addressing future societal challenges. The involvement of over 60 art universities and the participation of commissioners and industry executives underscored the platform’s reach and impact. As a result, AOT has become a significant force in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and pluralistic societal transformation through the arts, setting a precedent for future initiatives under the New European Bauhaus Initiative of the European Commission.