On December 4, 2024, T6 Ecosystems had the privilege of joining the official launch of the STARTS EC(H)O Residency Programme at the Dresden University of Technology (TUD). As proud partners of the STARTS Ecosystem since 2021, we were excited to see this ambitious programme come to life, marking a significant step in the intersection of art, science, and technology.
The STARTS EC(H)O Residency Programme aims to support ten artists over the next 12 months, offering them a dynamic incubation phase that combines mentorship, training, research and production. Each artist will address a unique challenge defined by the STARTS EC(H)O team, with residencies hosted at various prestigious research institutions across Europe. The goal is to foster innovative solutions that respond to contemporary global challenges by blending artistic creativity with scientific research.
A Gathering of Minds: The Kick-Off Meeting
The kick-off meeting in Dresden was a two-day event filled with collaboration, presentations, and workshops. Hosted at the Dresden University of Technology, a key partner and host institution for three of the residencies, the gathering brought together artists, researchers, and scientists to begin the exciting journey of co-creating across disciplines.
The schedule was packed with presentations from the selected artists, the research teams, and the host institutions, offering everyone a deep dive into the cutting-edge facilities that will support the residency projects. But the heart of the meeting was the opportunity for dialogue, discussion, and collaboration between participants. The organisers aimed to establish a foundation for success, focusing on providing the right tools, resources, and mindset for this exciting new phase.
Focus on Impact and Co-Creation
One of the key moments of the meeting was a workshop on impact assessment, led by T6 researchers. This is an area where we play a crucial role within the STARTS EC(H)O programme, and we were thrilled to facilitate a conversation around how impact can be understood, measured, and communicated in interdisciplinary projects.
The discussion highlighted the diverse ways in which artists, researchers, and scientists define and perceive impact. While traditional metrics, such as economic outcomes and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), were expected, the artists raised important questions about the validity of these indicators when measuring the impact of highly artistic, boundary-pushing projects that defy conventional categories. This opened a broader conversation about new ways to approach and quantify impact—one that goes beyond numbers to include creative influence, cultural significance, and long-term societal benefits.
We also explored impact categories and indicators in a creative, participatory way, which allowed everyone involved to share their perspectives and enhance the collective approach to impact measurement. This collaborative workshop exemplified the spirit of the STARTS EC(H)O programme—an ecosystem built on the exchange of ideas and the fostering of co-creation across sectors.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future
The meeting concluded with a consortium meeting to reflect on the progress made so far in the STARTS EC(H)O programme and plan for the months ahead. A key focus was on the communication and dissemination events, where T6 will take a leading role in showcasing the innovative work emerging from the residency programme.
Overall, the Dresden gathering was a highly successful start to what promises to be a transformative initiative. The STARTS EC(H)O residencies represent a unique opportunity for artists, researchers, and institutions to collaborate, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible at the nexus of art, science, and technology. We’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey and can’t wait to see the impactful work that will emerge from the programme.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to support and guide the artists throughout their residency experience and explore how these innovative collaborations will shape the future!
