We are thrilled to present around 80 graduation projects of Willem de Kooning Academy’s Commercial Practices. Our graduation event ‘New Creative Partnerships’ focuses on innovative, experimental collaborations between our students, other designers and artists and their partners in the industry.
You are cordially invited to join us
on Friday, July 6th 13:00 – 16:00,
Blaak 10, Rotterdam
How can companies and organisations facilitate innovative partnerships? Which mentality and skills do artists and designers need to become instigators and initiators in a collaborative context with clients? This afternoon invites you to share your experiences and discuss your view on future partnerships that go beyond the traditional relations between clients and creative practitioners.
13.00 - 13.30 opening & welcome by Commercial Practices Team.
Introduction hosts: Commercial Practices graduates Anne Pater and Rosanne Weerheim.
13.30 – 15.30 presentations & exhibition tour
- Vandejong creative agency: ‘Let it Grow’. Be flexible, work like a start-up.
‘Let it Grow’ embraces the entire process and resources that lead to innovation within a corporate context. Franklin de Bekker and Silke Tijkotte share the story of their strategic collaborations (Dutch Design Award 2017; winner Best Client). They will discuss the role of design, knowledge, network and human resources in this project and reveal their most valuable insights.
- Dr. Joyce Lebbink: DNA Repairman, Erasmus MC. Curiosity-driven collaborations
In ‘DNA Repairman’, an international research network coordinated by Erasmus MC, scientific labs, companies and WdKA take part. PhD students in biochemistry and biophysics and WDKA students explore new ways of expressing scientific research to peer scientists, politics and the general public. Curiosity-driven research is the core of their partnership. Dr Joyce Lebbink and the participating students will show the first steps and outcomes of this collaboration.
- Best Practices
We will also present highlights from our graduating students. One example: Anthony Khedoe (Fashion / New Frontiers) developed a motorcycle jacket in collaboration with several partners like Ecco leather and Rev’it! Motorsports. This partnership was based upon the mutual desire to find alternatives to traditional design approaches.
15.30 debate & drinks