Why the AKI Community is needed
The AKI is more than just an art academy. For decades, it has been an invaluable cultural educational institution for Twente: a place for experimentation, innovation, critical thinking and artistic imagination. In this role, the AKI represents not only a physical academy, but also a rich intangible heritage. However, this position is under pressure. Administrative distance, a reduction in the range of courses on offer and increasing vulnerability within the larger ArtEZ context have structurally weakened the AKI and made its future uncertain.
Now more than ever, an active and engaged community around the AKI is essential. Collective engagement strengthens an academy that is deeply rooted in the region and of lasting significance to creators, Twente and the broader cultural ecosystem of the Netherlands and beyond. Without a collective, independent and committed support base, there is a risk of losing an academy that is deeply rooted in the region and of great significance to creators, Twente and the broader cultural and social ecosystem of the Netherlands and beyond.
Alumni, teachers, students, creators and friends carry the DNA of the AKI within them. They are living proof of its value and together form a powerful source of knowledge, experience, network and commitment. By organising themselves, they contribute to the ‘Bruto Twets Geluk’ (Gross Twente Happiness) and to the preservation of a unique art academy for future generations.
How the AKI Community achieves this
The AKI Community is organised as an independent association that functions as:
- A bridge between the academy, the region and society
- A platform for knowledge sharing, meeting and collaboration
- A collective voice that contributes to the vision, visibility and support for the AKI
Not out of nostalgia, but out of shared responsibility and conviction. By building long-term relationships, sharing expertise and being actively involved in the academy and the region, the community strengthens the position of the AKI from within and externally.
Anyone who feels connected to the AKI – former students, students, teachers, creators and friends – is welcome to contribute.
What the AKI Community wants to do in concrete terms
The AKI Community aims to strengthen the mutual connection between its members and the academy and to create a sustainable platform for knowledge sharing about the cultural field, visual arts and design. In addition, the community is committed to maintaining and strengthening the position of the AKI in Twente, in the spirit of its founders.
The objectives below are a first step. The future board will finalise these after formal establishment.
Core objectives
1. Community & Network
- Connecting members from different generations, disciplines and roles
- Building a lifelong, reciprocal relationship between members, the academy and the Twente region
2. Connection with the Academy
- Sharing practical experience, knowledge and expertise with students and teachers
- Contributing to the quality and relevance of the programmes through feedback, involvement and collaboration
3. Preservation and anchoring of the AKI in Twente
- Translating and updating the original objectives of the founders to the current context
- Contributing to the ‘Bruto Twents Geluk’ (Gross Twente Happiness) through alumni who, as free, creative thinkers, are sustainably rooted in the region
Join us. Think with us. Move with us.
For the AKI. For the arts. For Twente. For the future.
Pre-registration
You will receive an email later to confirm your full registration.