How to respond to change? Evidence of cultural organizations in times of COVID-19

Authors

Ianthe van Alkemade, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The NetherlandsFollow
Sofi Joaquín Fernández, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The NetherlandsFollow
Pajam Kordian, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The NetherlandsFollow
Euiyoung Kim, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The NetherlandsFollow
Nikolaos Kyriakopoulos, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The NetherlandsFollow
Youngok Choi, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UKFollow

Abstract

The extensive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural sector necessitated a paradigm shift, demanding organizational resilience and adaptability from organizations within this domain. In response, this study employs a mixed-methods approach to elucidate the innovative strategies implemented by Dutch cultural organizations amidst the constraints imposed by the pandemic. The study discerns three pivotal strategies: repurposing, the accelerated digitalization of cultural experiences, and the cultivation of a collaborative and experimental mindset. This research highlights the enduring implications of COVID-19-induced changes, illuminating the design strategies for sustaining organizational stability amid uncertain events posed by unprecedented external challenges.

Keywords

covid-19; cultural sector; reaction; designing for dynamic stability

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.774

Citation

van Alkemade, I., Joaquín Fernández, S., Kordian, P., Kim, E., Kyriakopoulos, N., and Choi, Y. (2024) How to respond to change? Evidence of cultural organizations in times of COVID-19, in Gray, C., Ciliotta Chehade, E., Hekkert, P., Forlano, L., Ciuccarelli, P., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2024: Boston, 23–28 June, Boston, USA. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.774

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Conference Track

Research Paper