20 February 2025
At IAS, artists play a crucial role in questioning established ways of thinking and fostering new perspectives on complex societal and scientific challenges. The residency aims to integrate artistic and scientific research to develop new methodologies and ways of understanding. "The Embassy of the North Sea operates at the intersection of art, science, activism, journalism, politics, and the public imagination. Its goal of acting as a mediator, diplomat, and ambassador to stimulate the representation of nature in the public and political spheres will serve as a source of inspiration for the IAS community," Dijstelbloem stated. "Representation and intervention are central concepts in science and research, and the Embassy has developed a rich repertoire of forms to develop this."
Harpo 't Hart's residency is expected to involve collaborative research initiatives, workshops, and events that bridge artistic expression and academic inquiry. As the director of the Embassy of the North Sea’s artistic program, he has extensive experience working with government institutions, academia, and the public to develop innovative dialogues on nature, representation, and environmental advocacy. "I expect that with Harpo 't Hart and the collective creative energy of the Embassy of the North Sea at the IAS, we will explore many new ways of representing nature and society and everything that connects them, and explore what representation means in different settings, from the laboratory to the courtroom," Dijstelbloem added. The IAS anticipates that his presence will inspire new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, enriching the academic landscape with fresh perspectives.