Collective Works (The Hague, the Netherlands) is a collaborative work structure founded by Karin Mientjes and Peter Zuiderwijk.
Starting from an expanded notion of design, Collective Works actively engages with the context in which they are. This not only includes the physical site and its surroundings, but also, and particularly, the social relationships that make it into a place or entity. They take a collaborative approach to design, working with people from all walks of life to create projects that are relevant to a specific environment.
By orchestrating actions, intervening in communities, and providing platforms for exchange, Collective Works not only initiates or shapes projects, but also actively creates its contexts, often engaging with places and people over a longer period of time.
Their work takes many forms, including:
Activistic campaigns that raise awareness and promote change.
Spatial support structures that encourage social interaction and community building.
Participatory design that stimulates co-creation and facilitates the sharing of experiences across cultures and communities.
Institutional programming that uses dialogue and conversation to create exhibitions, performances, workshops, lectures, and festivals.
Research-based publishing that uses fieldwork, observations, and speculation to gain insights.
Situational branding that creates identity for specific urgencies or causes.
Collective Works is part of the transdisciplinary design-build network Constructlab that creates innovative and socially-engaged projects throughout Europe.
Karin Mientjes holds teaching positions at Artez – Arnhem and the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. Previously she taught at the Design Academy in Eindhoven.
Next to commissioned and self-initiated projects Karin runs workshops and organises projects in an educational setting.
Peter Zuiderwijk holds a teaching postion at the Master Photography and Society, Royal Academy of Arts, The Hague and is currently a visiting lecturer at the Architecture Department of the University of Houston. Previously he taught at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore and European Humanities University, Vilnius.
Next to commissioned and self-initiated projects Peter runs workshops, gives (bike) tours and organises projects in an educational setting.
Collective Works
Paviljoensgracht 20-24
2512 BP The Hague
The Netherlands
info@collectiveworks.nl
(sorry, no “socials”)
We are always open to motivated and talented students to apply for an internship. A portfolio and a written motivation are required. Mastery of design software is a must. Experience with video editing, 3d software and/or webdevelopment is a very big plus.