ABOUT DAVINCI
VERSION 2-2015
Collaborating for a Smarter World OUR MISSION
WHAT WE DO
PROJECTS
WHO WE ARE
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DaVinci Institute COLLABORATING FOR A SMARTER WORLD
The DaVinci Institute is a think tank and consultancy specialising in collaborations for smart, creative & sustainable innovation. We act as a facilitator for innovative, trans-disciplinary activities in the field of research, culture and policy that aim to effectively address societal challenges. We help people, projects & As a think tank, the DaVinci Institute initiates organisations to showcase their discussions, engages in conversations and curates expertise through international information on innovation-focussed collaboration. collaborations. We create connections, support networks & Through its network of experts, the DaVinci manage projects that lead to Institute supports European organisations, projects knowledge exchange and and collaborations through tailored management, sustainable innovation. training and dissemination services.
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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What We Do
Collaborating for a smarter world
Connect THROUGH OUR NETWORKS, WE CONNECT PEOPLE, KNOWLEDGE AND TOOLS FOR SMARTER INNOVATION.
We can achieve better, more meaningful and sustainable results by working with others. In order to share ideas, know-how and activities, we need to create connections based on a common interest, a shared objective and trust.
At the DaVinci Institute, we help our partners and clients to build such connections across sectors and disciplines by sharing our contacts and expertise. We develop safe, effective and lasting frameworks that ensure that these connections lead to productive exchange.
CREATING CONNECTIONS
Engage WE CONNECT CONTENT WITH ITS COMMUNITIES AND CREATE INTEREST, DEBATE AND OWNERSHIP.
In the interactive world of Web2.0, people no longer want to be treated as passive consumers. In order to reach audiences effectively today, we need to create meaningful, long-term relationships based on dialogue and exchange.
At the DaVinci Institute, we provide our partners and clients with the know-how, tools and services necessary to effectively engage their stakeholders. We help you integrate social media, newsletters, press work, digital publishing and events into smart and manageable communication strategies.
ENSURING ENGAGEMENT
Advise WE SUPPORT YOU IN DESIGNING, MANAGING AND EVALUATING HIGH-IMPACT COLLABORATIONS.
Whether embarking on new projects or simply looking for improvements, it can be tremendously useful to get some external input, a fresh view, or simply an extra pair of hands.
At the DaVinci Institute, we offer advice, support and coaching to partners working – or aim to be working – in international networks, collaborations, projects or associations. Whether you are looking for funding, need to re-evaluate your governance, or need to engage members in a better way, we’re happy to share our experience and tools.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
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ABOUT DAVINCI
Collaborating for a smarter world
VERSION 2-2015
What We Do Design WE CREATE CUSTOM-BUILT TOOLS FOR SUCCESSFUL PROJECT-, EVENT- & COLLABORATION-MANAGEMENT.
While there are countless books, tools and standards for successful project management, you have to find the ones that help you getting things done. We invest in simple, flexible and custom-build solutions that stick.
CUSTOM-BUILT TOOLS
At the DaVinci Institute, we use design-thinking to build solutions based on your needs, your preferences and practices. Whether it’s a project management system, an online collaboration platform, a marketing suite or an event form, we find tools that make your work easier, and that can grow with you, and that won’t cost the world.
Coordinate WE MANAGE INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS, NETWORKS AND EVENTS THAT FOCUS ON KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND CO-CREATION.
Not everyone that enjoys exchanging ideas and know-how equally enjoys managing this exchange. While collaborations thrive on excellent content, they also need a solid managerial and administrative framework in which exchanges can happen.
MANAGING PROJECTS
At the DaVinci Institute, we provide administrative support to networks, associations, collaborations and European projects. This allows you to focus on content, knowing that the framework is in safe and experienced hands.
Educate WE HELP EDUCATE COMMUNITIES THROUGH WORKSHOPS, COACHING, E-LEARNING, PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES.
Continuous learning is both a joy and a necessity in today’s everchanging world. Those investing in acquiring and sharing new knowledge on a regular basis will be rewarded with a clearer understanding, new opportunities and deeper connections.
EFFECTIVE TRAINING
At the DaVinci Institute, we help our partners and clients to identify, acquire and share knowledge. We design coaching programmes, publish insights and organise events that allow you to connect with your community. We focus on customised learning, result-based events and open knowledge transfer.
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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Collaborating for a smarter world
What We Do Evaluate WE ASSESS PROPOSALS, PROJECTS & PROCESSES, CONTRIBUTING TO FAIR SELECTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE.
In order to understand whether any undertaking has been – or will be – successful, we need to assess whether its approach, activities, processes and resources create the desired results. This is just as important before we begin (ex ante), as it is after we finish (ex post) our activities. A system of interim-checks (continuous QA) can make the difference between success and failure in complex projects.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
At the DaVinci Institute, we help our partners and clients to evaluate the quality of proposals, projects and processes before, during and after they have taken place. We find the right experts, design transparent and effective evaluation processes and offer support with quality assurance.
DaVinci Projects Crowdfunding the Arts Open Online Course #EDUCATE #DESIGN #ENGAGE • ARTS & CULTURE
Inspired by the possibilities of massive open online courses (MOOCs), we have been investing in tools that allow networks, associations and expert groups to collate and share their knowledge with the world. In January 2014, we created our first online class on behalf of Creative’s Europe. Rather than ‘reinventing the wheel’, we jointly decided to take a curation-approach. This meant picking the best information already available, complementing it with Creative’s Europe’s Knowledge and structuring it into a meaningful course. In addition, we created online quizzes for self-testing.
http://davinci-institute.eu/project-overview/online-training-education/
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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People-Friendly Cities - Action Research Network #COORDINATE #DESIGN #CONNECT • SCIENCE • SOCIAL ACTION
Supported by European candidate cities, this ‘COST Action’ brings together a trans-disciplinary network of experts to investigate the alignment of the “hardware” and “software” of a city with user needs to promote well being, health, and a sustainable use of resources.
As co-leader of the working group for a smart & liveable cities research roadmap, we support the collaboration between Action members, support the development of new initiatives and joint research proposals. The DaVinci Institute has also been working on the development of the action website, the online membership platform and dissemination channels such as newsletters and social media.
http://davinci-institute.eu/project-overview/people-friendly-cities-action/
Creatives’ Europe Connect #CONNECT #ADVISE #EDUCATE • ARTS & CULTURE
Creative’s Europe is a platform that aims to connect cultural professionals and organisations for a more creative Europe. Culture needs to play an essential role in the shaping of a future Europe. By networking creative people and organisations, providing networking, exchanges, resources and training, Creative’s Europe wants to ensure that the people, organisations and institutions who represent the cultural sector are active partners in shaping the Europe of the future.
The DaVinci Institute is a co-founder of Creative’s Europe and coordinates its activities. We bring together experts, publish updates, offer resources and coordinate training and networking activities.
http://davinci-institute.eu/project-overview/creatives-europe/
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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European Gender Summit & GS Community #COORDINATE #DESIGN #ENGAGE • SCIENCE • POLICY
The European Gender Summit is dedicated to advancing research and innovation excellence through the inclusion of gender. Since 2011, the European Gender Summit has been providing a forum for stakeholders from research, industry and policy to jointly explore how gendered methodologies can stimulate innovation and advance scientific excellence. The summits map the current state of knowledge, provide a forum for interdisciplinary debate and engage participants in creating concrete action plans for research and innovation policy.
One of our directors was a co-founder of the Summit – developing the genSET final conference into the first ever trans-sector European summit on the role of gender for research excellence and effectiveness. Since 2012, the DaVinci institute has taken on the organisational aspects of the European Gender Summits. This includes contributions to the summit design, logistics and liaison with suppliers, registrations, support for sponsors, partners and exhibitors.
http://davinci-institute.eu/project-overview/european-gender-summit/
Culture.Shift - Creative Leadership #EDUCATE #ENGAGE #CONNECT • ARTS & CULTURE
Culture.Shift is a community-driven approach to strategic audience development for the performing arts in Europe. It aims to bring together creative leaders interested in developing their audiences and creating deeper connections with their communities. It wants to encourage and support performing arts organisations on the road to a more strategic approach to audience and community engagement. Created by creative leaders for their peers, it combines insights, tips, debates and best practice examples. To date, the initiative includes a EU creative forum and the publication of a work book.
http://culture-shift.eu/
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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Theatron Network #CONNECT #EVALUATE #COORDINATE • ARTS & CULTURE
Theatron is a network of European performing arts organisations who aim to explore creative and innovative ways of engaging new audiences. Theatron highlights the importance of a creative dialogue between performers and audiences. It encompasses the entire creative process from programming via artistic creation, performance, outreach and communication. It is this original understanding of theatre that Theatron wants to foster and promote.
The DaVinci Institute contributed to the proposal writing, focussing on the network management, education and exchange programme, outreach, publications, dissemination and network sustainability. We are now supporting the network coordination and are responsible for the educational programme, the Theatron conferences and exchanges. We created the internal platform and programmed the website and are responsible for newsletters and social media.
http://davinci-institute.eu/project-overview/theatron-network-engaging-new-audiences/
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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Who We Are DaVinci Directors BENITA LIPPS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With a background in non-profit management, Benita Lipps has more than 10 years of experience in managing European projects, networks and collaborations both within organisations and as a consultant. With her interdisciplinary background, Benita is focused on supporting collaborations between creatives from science, society and culture through sound management, communication and engagement practices. She is regularly invited to speak about association management and has worked as independent expert and evaluator for the European Commission.
DR. THIBAUT LERY, DIRECTOR SCIENCE & INNOVATION
Thibaut Lery acts as the Director of the Research and Evaluation Committee of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Previously, he has been Senior Science Officer at the European Science Foundation. He is an associated Professor at the University of Strasbourg, teaching Project Management at Master level at the Ecole de Management and at the Ecole Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg. He has a PhD in computational and theoretical astrophysics. Previously, he held teaching and research positions in France, Canada, Ireland and Congo.
GRAHAM O’SULLIVAN, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Graham O’Sullivan is the DaVinci Institute liaison in Dublin Ireland and responsible for business management and administration.
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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DaVinci Experts The DaVinci Institute’s network of experts supports the think tank, and offers support to European organisations, projects and collaborations through tailored management, training and dissemination services.
ANDREA QUINTINO SARDO
Cultural Heritage and Creativity Expert - DaVinci Associate (IT) With his background in architecture, Andrea is specialising in conservation and cultural heritage projects, acting as representative for UNESCO World heritage list Monuments in the Emilia-Romagna region. Andrea has been teaching lecturing in cultural heritage and conservation for more than 10 years. He acts as expert evaluator for several national and European agencies in both culture and research.
ANDREW ORMSTON
Creative Development Expert – DaVinci Project Partner (UK) Andrew is a senior creative manager and consultant with extensive experience in project development across the cultural and creative industries. His senior management positions included directing Culture for the City of Birmingham, where he established the city’s first screen agency, FILM Birmingham and directed Urban Fusion, the Capital of Culture legacy programme. His operational experience includes directing and managing a range of festivals, theatres, arts centres, concert halls, and arts development programmes.
BRYONY ULYETT
Communication Strategist – Associate (FR/BE) Bryony is a communication specialist with over 10 years experience in EU territorial cooperation, science & technology, retail, legal and engineering. Her focus is on providing strategic advice and hands on support in strategic communications, creative project management, social media (including web) and media relations.
FRANS BROUWER
Cultural Strategist – DaVinci Project Partner (NL) Frans specialises in project development, interdisciplinary and international cultural projects and executive leadership, serving as a consultant for cultural organisations. Frans has been a board member of a museum, music ensembles and festivals in Europe. Previous activities include research at Groningen University, directorships at two academies of music, three arts festivals and two music ensembles. He has worked as a project leader at European Cultural Capital Copenhagen 1996. !9
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JAVIER GALÁN
Cultural Manager, Community Engagement – DaVinci Associate (ES) Javier is an experienced manager of local, national and European cultural initiatives and projects. He acts as a curator, artistic director and producer in the areas of media arts and urban creative development. Due to his strong background in cultural project management, he has been working on the European Capital of Culture applications of Zaragoza and Wroclaw. Javier also teaches cultural management and cultural entrepreneurship at university level.
LARS SEEBERG
Performing Arts Director – DaVinci Project Partner (DK) As director of see@rt, Lars shares his experience in the international cultural field as an artistic advisor for theatres, multicultural venues and project management. Lars has been working in the international arts and cultural scene for the last 20 years. He is a board member of the Danish Royal Theatre, acts as expert and policy advisor and is supporting a diverse range of performing arts cooperations. Based in Denmark and Berlin and with working relations as far as Beijing, he offers his ideas and network for the creation of new works.
LEONIE HODKEVITCH
Cultural Producer and Educator - DaVinci Associate (AT) Leonie has been working as a cultural producer, author and educator in international contexts for more than 15 years. With her team, she is producing local and international cultural and social projects in the field of innovative theatre, urbanism and social inclusion. She acts as a mentor and lecturer on cultural management at universities and academies in Europe and the USA.
META ŠTULAR
Project- and Network Manager – DaVinci Associate (SI) Meta focuses on cultural development and project management on the interface of culture, creativity and urban development. She is working with diverse forms of organizations ranging from non-governmental to governmental sectors, intergovernmental institutions, networks and private companies in Slovenia and abroad. Her professional experiences cover the fields of popular music, fine arts, comics, design and performing arts.
NICK AMIES
Content Specialist and Editor – DaVinci Associate (UK/BE) Nick has worked as a freelance journalist and editor for the past 15 years, covering culture and European affairs for publications such as the Economist and the New York Times. He advises European organisations and networks – including DG Communication, European Commission – as an external editorial consultant.
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ABOUT DAVINCI
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Get in Touch DAVINCI INSTITUTE BRUSSELS RUE HENRI JACOBS 62, 1030 BRUSSELS
www.davinci-institute.eu • info@davinci-institute.eu https://www.facebook.com/DaVinciInstituteBrussels • https://twitter.com/dvinb
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