On March 6 and 7, Erasmus University Rotterdam welcomed delegations from the University of Oulu, Malmö University, and University College Cork for an inspiring exchange on the power of artistic methodologies. The exchange was an initiative of UNIC (European University of Post-Industrial Cities) within the thematic line Arts Culture & Creativity, which is led, among others, by Prof Dr Pauwke Berkers from ESHCC.
The first day immersed participants in hands-on artistic techniques designed to address complex issues. These exercises, designed by Brice Catherin and Yvon Bonenfant from UCC, were not just about analysis, but also about feeling, reacting, and engaging with problems on an emotional level. Whether applied to research, workplace dynamics, or personal growth, the impact was undeniable.
Following this, using a framework developed by the Municipality of Rotterdam, participants redefine concepts like disobedience and laziness, discovering how these ideas can be reinterpreted as sources of innovation. This session, led by Per-Anders Hillgren and supported by Joel Veborg from Malmö University, encouraged re-thinking the structures that shape our daily lives.
On the second day, the delegations were invited by Maarten Nijpels and other colleagues from the municipality of Rotterdam to push these discussions further, re-thinking existing systems and laying the groundwork for future collaborations between the participating universities and their cities. This session reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in shaping the cities and institutions of tomorrow.
Overall, the event highlighted the impact of artistic methodologies, emphasizing creative, emotion-driven approaches to innovation, challenging norms, and shaping a more dynamic society.
About UNIC
UNIC, pronounced “unique”, is an alliance of ten universities rooted in ten specific post-industrial urban ecosystems, dedicated to unlocking new models of European learning, working and researching that will shape the university of the future. Our mission is boosting development of knowledge and co-creation through collaboration, innovation and inclusion, all for societal impact and improvement.
