MSM hosts TEFAF network meeting of international institutes in the Maastricht region

On 15 March 2018 MSM hosted the network meeting of the TEFAF attended by international institutes in the Maastricht region themed ‘Interdisciplinary approach’. TEFAF is one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs taking place every year in Maastricht and in New York. Inspirational introductions were provided by Mr. René Hoppenbrouwers, artistic manager of SRAL Art conservation and research, and Mr. Peter Verkoulen, CEO of Brightlands Smart Services Campus.

Attendees of the network meeting were managing and/or scientific directors of research, educational and other international institutes in the Maastricht region.

Jean Bruijnzeels, Account Manager International Institutes at the Municipality of Maastricht, welcomed the participants after which Mr. Bert Jongen opened the network meeting. Mr. Bert Jongen is the alderman of Culture, Education, Youth Care, Health, and Student and City Issues. The interdisciplinary approach is already illustrated in the portfolio for which Mr. Jongen is responsible. Nowadays social, scientific issues and problems all need to be approached from different sides and with combined knowledge. Mr. Jongen also indicated that Maastricht wants to become an international centre of knowledge and culture, referring to the already present international orientated educational and research institutes like Maastricht School of Management.

In the economic vision, called “Made in Maastricht” the city of Maastricht formulated three major aspects in its policy until 2020:

Maastricht in the role of international knowledge city focusing on strengthening knowlde and innovation;
Maastricht in the role of complete cultural city focusing on strengthening the relationship between culture and economy;
Maastricht in the role of international meeting city focusing on strengthening innovative working, shopping and visiting.

After the opening by Mr. Bert Jongen, Mr. René Hoppenbrouwers took the floor and introduced the attendees to the restauration, research and advice company SRAL Art. Here also an interdisciplinary approach is used when for example restoring art pieces like sculptures and paintings. Scientists, curators, students and international companies in the region come together for these processes. The company also uses 3D-printers to remake sculptures.

Mr. Peter Verkoulen, CEO of Brightlands Smart Services Campus, introduced the attendees to the Campus and to the interdisciplinary approach they are using connecting companies, students, the government, startups, to name just a few, in the Limburg region.

After the network meeting the attendees visited TEFAF, Maastricht.