History
2008-2010
A two-year research pilot
Founded as a two-year pilot, Baltan Laboratories explores what the media lab of the future could look like. The lab opens its doors and makes the first step towards a broader art science lab. Baltan’s identity and ambitions are closely connected to the history and DNA of the city of Eindhoven, The NatLab, as well as developments on Strijp S, the former industrial area of Philips previously known as the ‘forbidden’ city.
2010 - 2012
A Blueprint for a Lab of the Future
Baltan publishes A Blueprint for a Lab of the Future, an extensive publication, presenting the results and reflections on Baltan’s pilot phase undertaken from 2008 to 2010. The book features conversations that illustrate the process of building the lab, interviews featuring personal perspectives on the lab and reflections on projects supported by Baltan.
2012-2014
The plug-in methodology
Baltan successfully connects artistic projects with the research conducted in the Brainport Region. By implementing the plug-in methodology, Baltan embraces a flexible structure and way of working, while tapping into temporary infrastructures, stakeholders, communications and audiences of strategic partner organisations. The strength of Baltan is her strategic positioning amongst local and international networks to foster art and technology collaborations.
2014-2015
The true method of knowledge is experiment
The renovated Natlab building is officially opened, with Baltan as a key inhabitant. The former physics laboratory of Philips is internationally recognised for its innovative research. Located on Strijp S, Baltan is now at the heart of the creative community. The inauguration is celebrated with projects inspired by the work of Dick Raaijmakers aka Kid Baltan, pioneer in electronic music, working at the former NatLab.
2015-2017
The Lab as a collaborative framework
Baltan stimulates a cross-disciplinary approach conducted in an open-minded atmosphere based on trust and mutual inspiration. A solid model for long-term partnerships is established, facilitating open innovation research by reaching out to the creative and high tech community. Baltan interrogates the role of labs and hubs, being convinced that artists and designers are the most relevant critics of our time. Baltan makes these processes tangible by sharing ideas and knowledge with others.
2018
Ten Years a Lab
The organisation proven model for the development of structural connections between art, design, science, technology has become the premise for innovative artistic collaborations. Becoming a main actor in an international ecosystem of academics, industry and culture, Baltan continuously keeps reinventing ideas, methods and tools, exploring societal issues on the edges of disciplines.