Course
CourseWerkplaats Typografie facilitates graphic designers in building on the foundation of their skills and knowledge by means of self-directed research, challenging them to always keep asking and answering questions to contribute to society by means of design. This two-year ArtEZ Master's programme is an intentionally amorphous orbit of information, encouraging her participants to explore the work within their work and urging them to identify, grab and create opportunities.
Resilience and resourcefulness
At Werkplaats Typografie, theory and practice go hand in hand to prepare participants for a yet unknown future, as such helping them to develop a resilient and resourceful attitude. Profound reflection, self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship are at the core of the programme, urging designers to query; for there is no such thing as one right way.
Curriculum: a freely adaptable framework
The curriculum of Werkplaats Typografie is designed to develop critical awareness, understanding and (design) approach in relation to (cultural) information and its distribution, in order to influence and criticize the current status in (graphic) design. Within it, theory and practice reinforce one another. Together the various curriculum components stimulate participants to explore and exchange different types of information through publishing, production, presentation and communication, or a combination of these.
The programme is set up as a open architecture: a structure in which participants take the lead, initiating projects themselves. Lectures, seminars, meetings, and readings are geared towards self-accountable and independently motivated work and research. Two key elements are central to the course: bringing in the outside world and reflecting on it, and the other way around, going public.
Perceiving at a Low Speed – end of year finals show 2015
Like-minded community of makers
The educational community of the Werkplaats Typografie is built around immense trust and shared responsibility for each other’s development. It continuously evolves and is amorphous by intention, providing space to various kindred spirits: students, alumni, teachers and guests, who not only work and exchange thoughts and perspectives, but also cook together at the workplace. Attention and interaction are geared towards the development of each involved individual: artistically, intellectually, professionally and as human beings, who, as makers and researchers of the future, critically reflect on our environments and networks.
Facilities
The Werkplaats Typografie is housed in its own building: a former radio diffusion station in Arnhem built in 1937. Participants choose their own workplace in one of the various spaces. The Werkplaats Typografie has her own library, and a kitchen where communal lunches are prepared. Everyone has a key to the building and can use the facilities at any time. In 2020, the Werkplaats Typografie has found a second base for first year students in Het HEM: a new home for contemporary culture, situated in a former bullet factory in Zaandam.
Partners
Werkplaats Typografie collaborates with leading designers, artists, curators and peers from various countries. We work together with various partners.