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390 years ago, Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ was founded with a vision for the future: a better world through knowledge. Every day, we help shape that future, both within and beyond university walls. But who are "we"? Whose university is it, and who is it meant to serve? And what kind of world and future are we really envisioning?

Meet students and staff from across the university and join the conversation about what kind of university we want to be. Why do you study or work here? What is the university for? What do you think needs to change? And where do fine words and ideals clash with reality? We share and collect our experiences, desires, and beliefs. Artist  weaves our stories together in a colorful and multi-voiced wall tapestry. A work of art that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be, including the fringes and flaws.

The artwork will be unveiled in March 2026 as part of the 78th UU anniversary celebrations and the 14th UMCU anniversary celebrations. It will then travel within and beyond the university, serving as the starting point for new and valuable conversations.

This conversation, led by Sigrid Merx and Hiljanne van der Meer, is organised by the Comenius education innovation project , of Prof.dr. Leoniek Wijngaards-de Meij en Prof.dr. Gönül Dilaver. This project aims to foster dialogue in higher education through art and creative approaches.

Registration

Due to limited capacity, please register for one of the three sessions below using  

• Thursday 9 October, 10:00 - 12:00 o'clock, Van Lier-Eggink Zaal, Bestuursgebouw (Dutch spoken)
• Wednesday 15 October, 13:00 - 15:00 o'clock, room 0.21, Janskerkhof 3 campus (Dutch spoken)
• Wednesday 22 October, 15:00 - 17:00 o'clock, Playground, Vening-Meinesz Building (English spoken)