Interdisciplinary projects

First-year excursion to Berlin

Berlin is bursting with art and culture, and as a first-year student, you’ll get to experience it firsthand! At the start of the academic year, you and your classmates will travel to this vibrant city, guided by lecturers. Together with students from other Art & Design programmes, you’ll dive into the art scene, visit inspiring cultural hotspots, and explore the connection between art and society.

You’ll deepen your understanding of art theory, art history, and contemporary issues, develop critical thinking and reflection skills, and collaborate with students from different disciplines - seeing firsthand how various art forms influence each other. It’s also a great way to get to know your fellow students! As a senior student, you can even return as a mentor, sharing your passion for art and culture while taking on a leadership role.

Winterlab: collaborate beyond boundaries

One of the highlights of the academic year is Winterlab: a project week in January where around 400 bachelor students from different disciplines (all bachelor’s programmes of Art & Design Zwolle, Music in Education, and Artisteducator in Theatre & Media) come together. Guided by artistic professionals, you’ll work on a thought-provoking theme that challenges you both conceptually and creatively.

You’ll join one of 26 labs, working with students from various backgrounds. By approaching art from different perspectives, you’ll learn to collaborate in ways that enrich your artistic process and ideas. It’s the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and explore new ways of thinking and creating.

RAT: Research Art Together

How do different art forms influence each other? And what can you learn from educators in other fields? If you study Fine Art and Design in Education, you’ll join RAT (Research Art Together) - a project where you collaborate with students from Music in Education and Artisteducator in Theatre & Media. Together, you’ll explore art education from different perspectives and challenge yourself to rethink how art is taught and experienced.

What does art mean today? Whose stories are missing? Which artists deserve more attention? You’ll discover how music, visual arts, and theatre can strengthen each other and develop your own creative vision along the way. Through research, experimentation, and creation, you’ll learn from your peers and their teachers—gaining insights that shape your own artistic practice. Curiosity and collaboration are key, just like a rat always searching for something new to discover.

Summerlab: discover, experiment, create

After a year full of new experiences, first-year students at Art & Design wrap up the academic year with Summerlab: a creative project week where you collaborate with local artists and students from other programmes. You’ll explore new techniques, approaches, and perspectives, all centered around an exciting theme. Guided by a professional artist or creative expert, you’ll dive into hands-on experimentation and collaboration. You’ll work in studios, but also in unexpected places like community centers, museums, and libraries.

Summerlab is the perfect chance to apply everything you’ve learned in a fresh way. You’ll broaden your artistic vision, learn from others, and find new inspiration - getting ready for the next step as an artist!