Cultural Heritage for Everyone The Imagination Lab | HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Commissioned by the Province of Utrecht, this research focuses on the participatory development process of 'the Imagination Lab' (Het Verbeeldingslab). This process is initiated by Floor Ziegler and Wim Oolbekkink, together with local communities around the estate ‘Zonheuvel’

The aim of the research is to construct knowledge about 'how' such a social-artistic trajectory can be participatory and to gain more insight into the specific values and impact of such projects.

The following question is central to the research: What are the design principles for a tool that, according to the participants of the research, contributes to providing insight into the participatory design process of 'the Imagination Lab' within the social-artistic project Cultural Heritage for Everyone?

The result of the research is a next version of a process-based tool with which participants in a social-artistic process can make an impact together. By using the tool during the research, the participatory process is both methodically supported and mapped out.

01 February 2025 - 31 December 2025

To answer the research questions, four expert meetings will be organized and an exploratory literature study will be conducted. In addition, in consultation with the Province of Utrecht, a follow-up process is being considered that will focus more on impact at organizational and policy level.

Insights into how social-artistic processes with (local) communities can be completed in a participatory manner are relevant for Social Work and Community Development students because they are also expected to work together with communities on social issues.