foundation we are

Foundation We Are was established in 2018 with the goal to enable, facilitate and research unexpected collaborations between the creative sector and experts on societal transitions.

our mission

create collaborations

Our mission is to promote, practice and research interdisciplinary design and collaborations. We see that our society is facing and experiencing a range of transitions, relating to our systems of governance, media culture, civic society, technology and environmental resilience. We want to help make these transitions just, aesthetic, democratic and inclusive. We see that designers can contribute to that when they work alongside societal experts.

share knowledge

stimulate collaborations

initiate design projects

support designers

design research

share knowledge

our mission

Our mission is to promote, practice and research interdisciplinary design and collaborations. We see that our society is facing and experiencing a range of transitions, relating to our systems of governance, media culture, civic society, technology and environmental resilience. We want to help make these transitions just, aesthetic, democratic and inclusive. We see that designers can contribute to that when they work alongside societal experts.

This is why the foundation develops cross-practice incubators, exhibitions, events and educational programs. We do this on our own initiative or on commission by societal and cultural organizations, with and for whom we develop, invent and test alternative research and design approaches. Within all of its projects, exhibitions, initiatives and programs, Foundation We Are connects designers with those experts and enables them to exchange knowledge, experiences and stories. This exchange lays the groundworks for a design process that enables us to approach issues from different perspectives and the design of needed alternatives within societal challenges.

initiate design projects

research societal challenges

The foundation creates programs, events and exhibitions to enable unexpected collaborations. By bringing together experts and designers, these activities serve as a platform to collaborate and develop creative solutions to societal issues.

Whether working on our own initiative or in partnership with other organisations, we focus on testing alternative research and design approaches. Here, we believe, the connection between various actors is of vital importance to the exchange of ideas and the creation of meaningful change. Through sustainable connections we can lay the groundwork for a fruitful design process that enables us to approach issues from different perspectives and collectively create valid alternatives to societal challenges

support designers

scopes

We have defined five thematic scopes, in which we believe design can play a meaningful role. The scopes give structure to the Foundation’s work and initiatives, in the areas on which it aims to make impact.

scopes

We have defined five thematic scopes, in which we believe design can play a meaningful role. The scopes give structure to the Foundation’s work and initiatives, in the areas on which it aims to make impact.

These are: Civic Society, Cultures of Information, Systems of Governance, Justice in the Anthropocene and ethics of Technology.

We have defined five thematic scopes, in which we believe design can play a meaningful role. The scopes give structure to the Foundation’s work and initiatives, in the areas on which it aims to make impact.

civic society

cultures of information

systems of governance

justice in the anthropocene

ethics of technology

Civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) are a pillar of social innovation, inclusivity and citizen participation in our society. Yet, human rights defenders, investigative journalists and activists are increasingly lacking support or even labeled as terrorists. How can design and design research support and contribute to the work of human rights defenders?

the village community

In January 2023, Foundation We Are moved to its new 600 m2 headquarters in Strijp-S, in what used to be the home of Yksi Expo. A place we are happy to take on as our new home and to share with socially engaged designers and experts. At the core is the Village, where the members of the village community have their studio’s and desks.

Are you looking for a studio space? Take a look at our services page to find out more about the possibilities.

Join the village!
Reach out for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Village!

contact us

event space

Our headquarters have always functioned as an open space, for socially engaged designers and societal experts to meet, collaborate and share their work with the public. From September, 2023 we will start again with our regular program of events. To know the up-to-date program, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

Are you looking for a space to rent for an event, exhibition or a meeting? Take a look at our services page to find out more about the possibilities.

We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute and we want to provide a space where you can share your talents and collaborate with others to make a difference. Having always built on the values of collaboration, inclusivity and social consciousness, we believe that by bringing individuals together opportunities will arise. Through collaboration we can create a powerful force for change.

The village space facilitates a variety of resources and offers room for activities to help creatives develop their skills and connect with like-minded individuals. We are excited to build this community and empower our members to use their creative talents to make a positive impact on the world.

Join the village!
Reach out for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Village!

contact us