Blog: Spring in the air

Alma Schaafstal reflects on the exciting progress and collaborative energy as the Creative Technology program expands to Amsterdam.

Spring in the air

Do you know that early spring feeling? When you see the trees and bushes forming buds, and crocuses and daffodils start blooming? That's how it feels for me right now in the collaboration with Amsterdam. At first, it seemed like radio silence from the VU's side, but I've now realised that behind the scenes, everything and everyone has been put in place to start working with the people from Twente. For the first time, we're diving into the curriculum together. And not online, but physically in Amsterdam. It's fantastic to be working together and getting to know each other better, understanding each other more. I’m really excited, and I’m definitely not the only one!

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the final preparations for decision-making by the Executive Board and the student participation have been completed. Some wrinkles have also been smoothed out. Sometimes you only notice the small details when you get to them...

Lately, it felt like a little gift was thrown over the fence. Brandwebbing, the agency helping us find the right positioning for CreaTe, delivered their first concepts. They came up with “For the Love of Inventing” and “Let Technology Empower Your Creativity.” Which of these would incoming students be most drawn to, and what’s the best imagery to accompany these words?

We’re not completely settled yet, but we’ve already been pleasantly surprised by their research. It brought heartwarming results. The CreaTe community spirit was praised by the interviewed students and professors, and there was much appreciation for the fact that both groups co-create the education of CreaTe. Students also feel that we could be a bit prouder of CreaTe. These are beautiful values and spot-on comments. It’s important to carry those insights with us to Amsterdam.