Waag Society
Waag Society —institute for art, science and technology—is a pioneer in the field of digital media. Over the past 22 years, the foundation has developed into an institution of international stature, a platform for artistic research and experimentation, and has become both a catalyst for events and a breeding ground for cultural and social innovation.
Waag Society explores emerging technologies, and provides art and culture a central role in the designing of new applications for novel advances in science and technology. The organisation concerns itself not only with technologies related to the Internet, but also with those related to biotechnology and the cognitive sciences. Because these areas that have a huge impact on our culture and identity, intuitive and curiosity-driven research by artists and designers is paramount. Artists and designers know better than anyone that they must question technology in order to get to the bottom of things, overthrow sacred cows, stimulate imagination and fantasy, create unexpected connections, and—above all—search for meaning.
Waag Society is always active in a social context. Every project involves several partners, each of whom bring their own, unique perspective. We also propose that new technological developments are made available to artists as soon as possible. In this way, Waag Society is a catalyst that brings to light new insights and solutions. The work that arises here is both innovative and iconic.
The Creative Care Lab gives content to the responsibility of artists and citizens in respect to the radical changes in healthcare.
The Creative Learning Lab develops contemporary, exciting educational formats with experts from education, the arts and new media.
The Future Heritage Lab sees heritage as a ‘workspace’, where people work freely with objects, stories and associations.
The Future Internet Lab democratizes the access to technology and critically follows and designs the technology for democratization.
The Open Design Lab makes innovation in the make and design industry transparant and accessible for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.
The Open WetLab is a leading place for bio-art, biodesign and do-it-together biology in the heart of Amsterdam. It works together with artists, designers, scientists, and hackers at public participation projects.
In the Smart Citizens Lab we explore tools and applications to map the world around us.