Mindlab
Mindlab: first insights and new performances
Monday 20 January Mindlab reopens its doors. The theatre performance about social safety in academia will be performed twenty-three times for TU Delft until 7 February. The aim: to offer a collective experience that can ensure the conversation about social safety continues, even after the performance. The performances bring to life situations that are sometimes recognisable, sometimes surprise, but are always confronting. Watching, discussing and reflecting on it together lowers the threshold to do something about it.
Not been yet? Check the agenda here and choose a performance from your faculty or take part in a university-wide performance. Curious about experiences of colleagues who went before you? Watch the after movies here or read this article in Delta.
Looking back: Mindlab in November 2024
Ten Mindlab performances took place in November 2024. A total of 525 TU Delft colleagues visited Lijm en Cultuur to see the Mindlab performance. Of them, 219 participated in university-wide sessions, while the rest attended their own faculty-specific performances.
Each performance ended with the Mindlab Café. Here, participants shared their experiences and reflections in an open and safe atmosphere with a little guidance from a facilitator. Last autumn, a total of 18 TU employees were trained as conversation facilitators support the post-performance conversations.
Initial reactions to the performances range from ‘very intense, but also really beautiful and important’ to ‘uncomfortable and an encouragement to take action’. And that is exactly the intention according to the makers. Mindlab should get under your skin. You have to feel it, because mere recognition is not enough.
Mindlab's impact: insights and emotions
The performance proves to be a powerful tool to initiating reflection and dialogue, in a safe environment. The intensity of the stories touched many deeply and made an impact where the post-performance and personal conversations provided space to share these emotions. Afterwards, participants were able to share their insights and suggestions with the organisaiton ‘They are valuable insights that we will use and deploy for sustainable actions,’ said the project organisation.
Looking forward
Based on the feedback from all the performances, at the end of this run of Mindlab performances, we will check whether we are doing the right things and whether other follow-up steps should be taken to further contribute to creating and strengthening awareness, skills and behaviour for a socially safe and ethical TU Delft. Soon you will read more about this on this website.
Questions about Mindlab? Then send an email to mindlab@tudelft.nl