Achieving Broad Prosperity requires fundamental changes in our economy. Organisations and individuals are looking for ways to contribute to this systemic change themselves. But how can you contribute on a small scale to something as big and abstract as the economy? At Exchange Project, we explore how to make people and organisations aware of the possibilities and limitations of current and new economic exchanges, and give them the means to contribute to an economy geared towards Broad Prosperity.
In October 2023, Exchange Project premiered at the Festival ‘Who Owns Economy?’ This project, consisting of a physical performance, lecture performance and exhibition, demonstrated that it is possible to contribute to systemic change on a small scale. Dialogues during and after the lecture performances showed its potential as a methodology for system change. Participants expressed awareness of prevailing patterns of economic exchange and possible alternatives to them. The combination of thinking, doing and imagining creates a lived experience of what can be done differently.
Based on this feedback, the lecture performance will be further developed into a methodology for changemakers. This mix of lecture, presentation, storytelling, debate, workshop, movement and reflection helps people and organisations understand and promote the transition to an economy of Broad Prosperity.
This project is a collaboration of the Avans University of Appplied Sciences (Centre of Expertise Wellbeing Economy and New Enterpreneurship, Economy in Common Property Reseach Group), Fontys Academy of the Arts (Artistic Connective Practices Research Group), changemaker and dance company The100Hands, Museum Zuid, Boijmans van Beuningen, Buitenplaats Brienenoord en MVO Nederland.
Photo: Barbara Medo