Space for art
… at university
26/09/2023
Does art contribute to a more pleasant work and study environment? According to Joke Webbink, Manager of the Art and Heritage Collection at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), it does: “It’s heartwarming to see how much people enjoy it: art in the workplace really works!” In our video series #spaceforart we introduce you to the QKunst projects and community. Because what does that actually mean: space for art? After each episode, we offer a behind-the-scenes look, this time: art at university.
QKunst’s role in art at university
Based on the vision that art and science reinforce each other, WUR displays its art collection in the university buildings and on the campus grounds. Since 2019, QKunst has supported WUR in all aspects of collection management: restoring, reframing, photographing and presenting the collection. To this end, we collaborate with specialised restorers for paper, textiles, sculptures, and paintings.
For Delft University of Technology, we inventoried the art collection and formulated art policies for management and preservation. Afterwards, in dialogue with the heritage, real estate and facilities staff and the students, we developed a long-term vision for the expansion of the collection, “Living campus, living art”, which is now in progress.
Collaboration
Both the WUR and TU Delft collections are characterised by breadth. In fact, the collection consists of multiple collections: from sculptures and installations in the outdoor space, to an art collection that is presented in the buildings. On top of that, there are also historical collections that provide insight into the history of the institution and research or science, as well as collections to support research.
For us, that also means a collaboration across the board. At companies we often work directly with facilities staff and at municipalities with culture policy officers, but at universities policy formulation and implementation means collaborating with information specialists, scientists, students, professors, property managers, park managers, building managers and facility managers. The broad scope of this collaboration is not only fun, but also contributes to an awareness of and care for the collection from a multitude of perspectives and agendas.
Development
The use of art on campus and in education is part of a wider focus on art as an integral part of personal and professional growth and development. For example, by using art – or themes to which art relates – in Socratic conversations, in practising observational skills (e.g. with medical students), or by finding answers to personal issues through art. At QKunst, we have been doing just that recently, by offering art-based learning with our own art collection. Want to know more about using art this way? Contact us without obligation.
Haven’t seen the video with QKunst team member Melody Toering yet about the restoration and reinstatement of an artwork at WUR? Watch it here!
