Rikst Westra

Biography

Rikst Westra is a dedicated researcher and creative producer committed to inclusive and accessible storytelling. With a background in graphic design and a master's degree in arts policy and management, her work is characterized by an in-depth blend of creative and strategic thinking. Rikst's career has been dedicated to exploring ways to bridge the gap between complex social issues and creative solutions. Her work emphasizes the importance of collaboration between artists, designers, policymakers, and society. Rikst strives to foster environments in which creativity thrives through inclusion, dialogue, and innovation. She is adamant that the creation of inclusive and accessible stories requires collective action. Whether she is leading a team of creatives or exploring new methods in design, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact on both art and society.

During the Design Innovation Sessions, Rikst and Andreas will spotlight Europe's public sector as a driving force for innovation, too often overlooked in favour of Silicon Valley’s VC-driven (venture capital) model. As the downsides of that model become clear, it is high time to focus on a democratic “mission economy” powered by strong public institutions. Rikst and Andreas will share insights from the Public-Civic-Partnership model at Haus der Statistik in Berlin, that integrates approaches to the biobased transition within a radically participative, large scale urban development project in the heart of the German capital.

Collaboration partners: Centre of Applied Research for Art, Design & Technology, Avans Hogeschool (project lead), Centre of Expertise Wellbeing Economy and New Entrepreneurship, Avans Hoegeschool, MNext, Avans Hogeschool, Modellprojekt Haus der Statistik (Berlin), SPARK Innovation Campus (Den Bosch), Electron (Breda), Dutch Design Foundation