International Clinic: Cosmograming Your Collective
A growing number of creative collectives are working together to share resources, provide mutual support, showcase their work internationally and promote social activism. But how can we sustain collective efforts in a system that lacks structural support? This International Clinic, led by Yin Aiwen, addresses this critical question and offers practical guidelines on how to overcome this challenge.
3 September 2026 13:30 - 16:30
Central to this edition of the International Clinic is Yin Aiwen’s workshop Cosmogramming Your Collective, which she developed as part of her Alchemy of Commons project. This multi-year research initiative, game and toolkit explores the dynamics within change-making groups and collectives, regardless of their institutional status.
The workshop offers internationally active creative groups and collectives an opportunity to explore their current challenges and potential, while offering practical guidance on how to best structure their practice. Rather than focusing on boosting efficiency and productivity, the session centres on providing comfort, attention and support, and emphasises the practice of solidarity, activism and the transformation of individuals and communities.
This will be followed by a networking drinks reception, providing an opportunity to meet peers, exchange ideas and expand your network.
Programme
- 15:30 – Welcome
- 15:35 – Hands-on session: Cosmogramming Your Collective with Aiwen Yin
- 17:30 – 18:30 Networking drinks
Yin Aiwen
Yin Aiwen is an artist, designer, researcher and institutional consultant. Departing from the idea that “the technological is institutional, and the institutional is technological”, she reconsiders and reimagines socio-economic, cultural, emotional and bodily conditions by designing new techno-institutional tools based on care ethics. She is the initiator and co-creator of Liquid Dependencies and Alchemy of Commons, two projects that bring together interactive games and social research.
International Clinic
Nieuwe Instituut’s International Clinics provide a platform for Netherlands-based designers to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges and best practices of working internationally. Organised quarterly with partners DutchCulture, Creative Industries Fund NL and the Dutch diplomatic network, the International Clinics focus on various aspects of international cooperation and exchange.
As well as learning about different opportunities, the clinic enables creatives to share international knowledge, experiences and networks in order to stimulate and sustain meaningful collaborations.
For more information about the International Clinic, please contact Marie-Anne Souloumiac at m.souloumiac@nieuweinstituut.nl.
Language: English | Location: Nieuwe Instituut | Tickets: € 5,-
Tickets