Our world is in transition and ‘business as usual’ has been written off. One after another scenario for radical transitions is developed: research after research, policy upon policy. Sectors, companies and institutes are looking for ways to put these scenarios into practice. How do we unlock the potential of radical transitions? How do we make them visible, tangible and feasible? Can radical collaboration through art and imagination help? A creative process in which the power of designers and artists add affect and effect is essential to create action perspectives and actively shape the future.
Check out the Ateliers siren song here: CALL TO IMAGINE
What is a Transition Atelier?
A Transition Atelier is a co-creative and iterative design environment in which creative professionals, transition practitioners and thematic experts work together. The goal is twofold:
- To strengthen transition practitioners (those who prove an alternative already exists) through creative outputs that legitimizes and supports strategies and scenarios.
- Mobilize a broader audience through imagination, which conjures an image of the desired future and provides tools to contribute to it.
By bringing together affect (the sensory dimension of transition) and effect (the institutional dimension), we build transition momentum.
Why creatives?
Everyone possesses the ability to see our world not only how it is, but how it could be. This ability is the radical imagination. Artists and designers are masters in inspiring and mobilizing. Their involvement in Ateliers can be a way to conjure this imagination, to develop new forms and practical strategies for change.
A lot of energy, a lot of creativity and inspiration...and using that to challenge myself more and gathering courage to work harder and to think: what can I contribute myself? - Transition Atelier participant
Example: Making science sustainable
Together with Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland (Climate Research Initiative the Netherlands) and theater director Arlon Luijten we are developing De Tafel(s) van Moedt (table of have to / courage): an ‘urgency grower’ to instigate action for board directors of important organisations in science. De Tafel van Moedt is a mobile space that invites taking responsibility; where decisions about stopping and starting are made together. The object facilitates a learning community that places collaboration above competition, utilizes collective knowledge and gives space to vulnerability and innovation.
How can you contribute?
Transition Ateliers is a method-in-development. We are currently experimenting within different domains or themes, including making science sustainable, social entrepreneurship, mobility and food. We are looking for partners who want to collaborate in the development of Transition Ateliers. Do you have a transition practice, are a thematic expert or work in social art and design practices? Let’s work together to connect creative power and social transition.
- Interested? Read the CALL TO IMAGINE for more Ateliers.
- Curious about the role of radical imagination? Read the final report 2024 (in Dutch).
