Melle Smets | The Department of Search

Director documentation 2019-02-18

Melle Smets, Director of finished Temporary Programme System D Academy (2014-2016), discussed his project and book The Department of Search at Culture needs Synergy: Symposium at IG Kikk in Kärnten on 21 April 2018.

The Department of Search was established in 2014 at Science Park Utrecht. For three years this artist run organization experimented with action research interventions, to explore new forms of encounters between artists and scientists. This book unfolds the findings and speculates on the potential of a shared space to formulate fundamental questions of the future.

The Department’s basic procedure is simple: artists thoroughly search University premises and the spaces inside, around and between the buildings, for clues, cues and ideas they can use. They share their findings, models, and project ideas with local scientists. A search is conducted for shared values and what they may lead up to. Often from this intensive adventure a wide panorama of potential, a collection of debatable futures, will emerge.

More information: http://www.mellesmets.nl/Department-of-Search

https://igkultur.at/artikel/kultur-braucht-synergie-symposium-kaernten-am-2021-april