On June 5, Renate Boere organizes an inspiring international conference on design and education under the wings of the Willem de Kooning Academy Hogeschool Rotterdam. During this day, various aspects around the theme ‘creating pioneers’ will be reflected upon.

In collaboration with the Indian Apeejay Education Society & Apeejay Stya University, the relationship between the Netherlands and India is discussed. Although the countries are not comparable in many ways, we share the same common future. In a world where challenges and opportunities for the next generation are dominated by a globalized world population, it is necessary to adapt our education to this. In order to arm ourselves against yet unknown changes, this generation of students must use their capacities to create, adapt, communicate and collaborate. That is precisely why there must be investment in bringing together people and expertise from all corners of the world.

The conference will feature speakers from internationally renowned designers, lecturers and researchers: Paul Pos, Jurgen Bey, Siddhartha Das, Marlies Dekkers, Kamna Aggarwalla, Janak Mistry and Tjeerd Veenhoven. Their presentations will be interspersed with visual contributions from various creative professionals and students from both schools. The entire campaign surrounding the event was created by second-year students from the Willem de Kooning Academy: Robbert Lopik, Lidy van Blitterswijk and Nikos ten Hoedt, led by Renate Boere.