The SUSTAIN research project, a collaboration between De Haagse Hogeschool and Avans Hogeschool, investigated in 2022-2024 the emerging practice of “Spacemaking” – how organizations create and maintain space for art in domains like economics, science, and technology to contribute to sustainable and just societal transitions. The research studied six organizations: Art Partner, Circus Andersom, Future of Work, In4Art, V2_ and Waag.
“Spacemakers see a clear role for art in transition issues,” the researchers explain. “Whether it concerns collaborations with science, technology, economics or other domains, Spacemakers strive for a prominent role for art in these contexts to achieve meaningful transitions.” However, the study reveals that Spacemaking manifests differently across organizations, each developing distinct approaches based on their context and objectives.
The SUSTAIN research, produced five interconnected cahiers, the spacemakers stories, each exploring different aspects of Spacemaking. ‘The Roeping’ (The Calling) examines what drives Spacemakers and the changes they aim to achieve. ‘De Belofte‘ (The Promise) investigates how Spacemakers view art’s potential for system change. ‘De Spanning‘ (The Tension) explores the challenges of balancing different worlds when creating space for art. ‘De Hulp‘ (The Help) focuses on methods and positions Spacemakers take in creating these spaces. Finally, ‘De Gift‘ (The Gift) examines what Spacemakers contribute to system transitions and how to understand their impact.
In this last cahier – The Gift – researcher Jacco van Uden conducted a detailed analysis of In4Art’s E-missions project, which explores the sustainability of digital lifestyles. The researchers documented how In4Art’s treasure map for E-missions demonstrated the significant time investment required for projects contributing to impact discussions. Through careful reconstruction of the project’s evolution and interactions, the study revealed how impact unfolds over time in unexpected ways and through various stakeholders.
The researcher follows Lynn Berger observation on shift of impact perceivement in her 2016 article for De Correspondent, conluding that impact has evolved from its original meaning of simple, predictable, and measurable consequences to now signifying complexity, exchange and interaction “een uitwisseling; geen inslag, … een botsing van werkwijzen en van wat belangrijk wordt gevonden”. This complexity is evident in how Spacemakers must navigate between different domains while maintaining artistic integrity and fostering meaningful collaborations.
The SUSTAIN researchers were particularly interested in In4Art’s PESETABS framework, a diffusion model developed to analyze spillover effects of art-driven experiments across eight domains: Policy, Ecology, Society, Economy, Technology, Art, Business and Science. This systematic approach helps translate artistic insights into broader innovation value. The research showed how In4Art uses this framework to track both immediate project outcomes and longer-term impacts, acknowledging that “things need time to develop and ripen before they can land in a context.” This methodical yet patient approach to impact assessment distinguishes their Spacemaking practice in the technology innovation space.
E-MISSIONS Treasure map created for “The Gift” cahier
The research reveals distinct characteristics of In4Art’s Spacemaking practice. Through their Art-Driven Innovation method, they emphasize the importance of creating safe experimental zones through project management and ensuring the right conditions for art to contribute to responsible innovation. The SUSTAIN researchers observed how In4Art actively works to protect this space while making it productive for all involved parties, ensuring dedicated budgets, resources, and committed teams.
A key insight from the study is In4Art’s approach to navigating tensions in multidisciplinary, multicultural, and multidimensional teams. These tensions, which can be both productive and limiting, arise from differences in work ethic, values, and interests. The researchers noted how In4Art’s role as Spacemaker evolves throughout project phases – from co-producer to coach, to reviewer and reflector – highlighting the dynamic nature of Spacemaking practice.
The SUSTAIN project culminated in the development of practical tools, including the Spacemaker Toolbox, designed to help Spacemakers reflect on their practice and professionalize their approach. These tools offer frameworks for organizations like In4Art to examine their work with partners and position their unique contribution to system transitions. The researchers emphasize that while each Spacemaker develops distinct methods, these tools can support the critical reflection needed to strengthen and evolve Spacemaking practices.
For those interested in further exploring Spacemaking and art-driven innovation, In4Art contributed several key readings to the SUSTAIN project’s library. These recommendations include “The value of everything” by Mariana Mazzucato, “Colliding Worlds: How Cutting-Edge Science Is Redefining Contemporary Art” by Arthur Miller, and “How to Fly a Horse” by Kevin Ashton. These works offer valuable perspectives on creating productive intersections between art, science, and technology.
