Voices of VR #1697: Can Immersive Art Revitalize Civic Engagement? Netherlands CIIIC Funds “Shared Reality” Initiative
Dec 7, 2025
Martijn de Waal, a Professor of Civic Interaction Design at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, dives into how immersive art can boost civic engagement. He shares insights on creating interactive public spaces and the role of technology in community connection. Discussions include the challenges of measuring impact, the significance of shared experiences in democracy, and innovative ways to design digital tools for civic life. Martijn's transdisciplinary approach blends various fields to enrich public discourse and civic participation.
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Integrate Makers As Researchers
- Treat artists and makers as central researchers by involving them in experimental design.
- Stage work at festivals and run reflective evaluation to surface practical storytelling patterns.
Applied Research Targets Practitioners
- Universities of Applied Sciences focus on applied, professional-facing research and co-creation with practitioners.
- Outputs include toolboxes, catalogs, and practice-focused knowledge, not only academic papers.
Reclaiming The Digital Public Domain
- Civil society left the digital public domain to commercial platforms, creating harms like polarization.
- Civil organizations now want digital tools that align with public-interest goals and give them agency over platforms.