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Project Scalabor Bruist - 2024

Social engagement at ArtEZ

Project Scalabor Bruist - 2024

At ArtEZ, we believe art and social engagement go hand in hand. Our students, teachers, researchers, and staff actively contribute to addressing social, ecological, and cultural challenges, both within our academies and beyond. Whether through local initiatives or international collaborations, we are always seeking ways to make a meaningful impact. Art holds the power to drive change, and we harness this power as a catalyst for sustainable impact. Our ambition extends beyond inspiring those within ArtEZ; we aim to inspire far beyond our own walls. Together, we are building a future where art truly makes a difference.

Social engagement at ArtEZ

Sustainable Development Goals

Social engagement is deeply embedded in our identity. We embrace the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework for tackling global issues such as education, climate change, and social inequality. Our focus lies specifically on SDG 4 (inclusive and equitable education), SDG 10 (reducing inequality), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).

Students, teachers, and staff contribute to these goals in their own creative ways, through initiatives that are implemented both within individual programmes and across the academy as a whole. We continually challenge ourselves to go further, devising new and sustainable solutions. Through social projects and artistic research, we collaborate to build an inclusive and just society where art plays a transformative role.

Student initiatives

ArtEZ initiatives

Sustainability and social responsibility play a key role in our purchasing decisions, building maintenance, renovations, and even our employment policies. These values are reflected in various initiatives, such as:

Fraenck x ArtEZ: from old bags to new flags

For years, ArtEZ has added colour to the city of Arnhem during open days and the ArtEZ finals. Across the city—from bridges and train stations to the city centre—we proudly use flagpoles to announce graduate showcases, open days, and to display the work of our students. While old flags were replaced with new ones, the outdated banners ended up stored in boxes in our warehouse. Disposing of them felt wrong and went against our ambition to be as sustainable as possible. But what could we do with those old flags? As the storage space filled up, it became clear we needed a sustainable solution. We found that solution with Fraenck, a remarkable social enterprise founded by ArtEZ alumnus Ratna Ho.

This collaboration not only supports our sustainability goals but also aligns with our commitment to working with partners who prioritise social impact. It is a perfect example of how we combine sustainability with societal value, and we hope it will inspire other institutions, as well as our staff and students.

 

  • As an organisation, we have the opportunity to make a real impact through our procurement choices. By consciously selecting products and services that are not only cost-effective but also sustainable and socially responsible, we take significant steps toward a better future. This goes beyond simple purchasing decisions; it’s about making choices that contribute to the world around us. For example, we aim to reduce our environmental impact by embracing circular reuse of materials. Furthermore, we actively seek partnerships with organisations that prioritise Social Return on Investment (SROI), such as those employing individuals with limited access to the labour market. Diversity, inclusion, and supply chain responsibility are equally integral to this approach.

    Each tender presents an opportunity to move forward. We do not simply opt for the cheapest option but consider the broader impact. Our carefully chosen award criteria align with the specific nature of the project, rewarding suppliers with strong diversity and inclusion policies, and setting clear environmental management and SROI requirements for new contractors. In this way, we partner with organisations that go the extra mile, because we believe responsible procurement is more than just ticking a box—it’s a powerful way to create positive change.

  • Every day, over 3,000 students and nearly 1,000 staff members work, learn, and create across our campuses in Zwolle, Arnhem, and Enschede. These spaces are not only places of inspiration but must also be sustainable and accessible, supporting both the physical environment and the artistic climate in which we aim to thrive. With large buildings under our management, we recognise the significant societal impact we can achieve by making deliberate choices.

    In the coming years, we will focus on improving the accessibility of our buildings, working with Ongehinderd to identify and address areas for improvement. While we’re not there yet, we are making steady progress. Additionally, we aim for all our educational buildings to be completely climate-neutral by 2050. All property and construction procurement aligns with our sustainability ambitions, guided by the CSRD directive and focusing on energy efficiency and material reuse.

    A current priority is the redevelopment of our locations at Oude Kraan 74 and 72 in Arnhem, which are in urgent need of renovation. These projects are a central part of our long-term vision and involve exploring partnerships with external stakeholders to create efficient educational spaces that foster interaction between disciplines.

  • To contribute to the fight against climate change (SDG 13), we encourage sustainable transportation and discourage travel with higher CO2 emissions.

    Starting 1 January 2024, employees who commute via public transport and live more than 10 kilometres from ArtEZ will receive a higher travel allowance than those who drive. For employees living within a 10-kilometre radius, the bicycle scheme has been enhanced, with an increase in the tax-free allowance for purchasing a bike, making cycling a more attractive option.

    By increasing travel allowances for those living farther away and offering extra incentives for green commuting, we aim to encourage conscious choices and reduce the ecological footprint of work-related travel.

  • In line with the national initiative to combat plastic waste, we have taken steps to promote the sustainable use of drinking cups. Since early 2024, students and staff have received reusable cups to replace disposable ones, aligning with the European Single-Use Plastics (SUP) directive and helping reduce plastic waste.

    The new cup, made from recycled polypropylene, features the ArtEZ logo and can easily be cleaned with cold water. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cup or purchase an ArtEZ-branded cup at the canteen for a small fee. Together, we’re making a conscious choice for less waste and a cleaner environment.