ACADEMY OF HUMAN POTENTIAL

 Artistic Director: AIRAN BERG

Urban development as human development is the underlying concept of the Academy of Human Development. A methodology, consistent with the overall objectives, has been created to share knowledge with citizens, based on the principles of local and global, of participation and inclusion,  of interdisciplinary and convergence, of tradition and innovation, and of trial and error. Samuel Beckett’s following lines have become famous: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”

Our long-term process allows us to follow this dictum. Not only does it describe the process of experiencing and constant learning but it marks the path by which unreachable Utopia may gradually be approached. The European Academy of Human Potential consists of different strands and projects. It provides the foundation for the development of our city and long and short-term projects we will pursue. It is the engine for learning and development, as well as for action, self-assessment and transformation. 

The three strands of the academy are:
Formal learning (Schools) – enhance Creative Thinking & Knowledge
Informal learning (Public spaces) – enhance Skills & Tools
Community learning (Awareness and Capacity Building) – enhance Critical Thinking & Action Design.

In a series of preliminary info-sessions in schools, cultural and social institutions, public forums, the academy will be introduced to potential participants. Once participating groups are defined introductory workshops will be offered in which genres and themes will be "negotiated". Once these are defined artists, in collaboration with experts, will share their tools with the participants and develop concrete projects.

Citizen's Orchestra

The Citizen's Orchestra should be seen as part of the Academy of Human Potential. The leading artists are a Portugese/English collaborative named Ondamarela, consisting of Ana Braganca, Ricardo Baptista, and Tim Steiner. Together with local musicians they create, through a series of workshops, a citizen's orchestra, consisting of professional, so-called amateurs, and people who never played music before. Within the workshops the members of the orchestra and the chorus also participate in the creation process of the piece from writing texts to composing music. The workshop phase is concluded by a large public presentation. Then the process continues with new workshops and more people who want to participate. A sustainable process.