Mission & Strategy
Katoenhuis' mission, vision and impact.
Mission
Katoenhuis provides space for immersive culture and technology.
It is the leading center for immersive culture and technology in the Province of South Holland.
Here, artists, designers, and technologists develop and present new experiences at the intersection of physical and digital worlds.
Vision
We believe that immersive experiences are essential for enabling new ways of learning, working, designing, and living together.
By providing space for innovative IX-makers and projects, the Katoenhuis aims to be both a driving force and a critical observer of this development.
We strive to be a physical space where creative and technological innovation converge—a place where makers, technologists, audiences, educators, and businesses come together to explore and critically reflect on the possibilities of IX.
By combining space for development, encounter, and experience, Katoenhuis contributes to the realization of a creative, inclusive, and future-oriented economy.
Through international connections, strong local roots, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Katoenhuis aspires to be a central player in the immersive culture and technology ecosystem— in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands and far beyond.
Impact
Collaboration around IX innovation
Effect: Makers, companies, and knowledge institutions collaborate interdisciplinarily within and through our activities on immersive innovation.
Impact: Sustainable ecosystems emerge between the creative sector, tech, education, and industry.
Development of new makers
Effect: New generations of makers develop IX skills and expressive forms at the intersection of art, design, and technology, within and through our activities.
Impact: Emergence of new professional profiles and sustainable careers in creative technology.
Development of digital skills and awareness among the public Effect: Various audience groups (from niche to broad) experience the scope and power of IX. They have new, positive experiences. Impact: Development and broadening of digital skills and experiences among citizens.
Increased application of IX
Effect: Governments, social organizations, and companies become inspired and motivated.
Impact: An increase in the use of immersive technology to address societal challenges.
Positioning of Rotterdam and the region
Effect: National and international visitors to the Katoenhuis are inspired; international media attention and online presence amplify this effect.
Impact: Rotterdam is recognized as a European hotspot for immersive culture and innovation; the international reputation and appeal of the region in this field are strengthened.
*Effects: The direct (often short-term) changes in people as a result of our activities. Effects are generally measurable. Impact: The fundamental, long-lasting changes that occur as a result of the effects caused by our activities. Impact is usually difficult to measure, but it can be made ‘plausible’.
Space for immersive culture and technology
Space for Development
Katoenhuis provides physical space, time, and support for companies, makers and developers to design, test, and realize new immersive experiences. Through residencies, studios, and test labs, we foster knowledge-building, talent development together with all major education institutes, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Space for Encounter
Through conferences, seminars, networking events, talks, and festivals, Katoenhuis serves as a meeting place for professionals from the arts, technology, policy, and business sectors. In doing so, it contributes to a strong, internationally connected ecosystem for IX.
Space for Experience
Katoenhuis offers broad public access to immersive experiences through three main formats: Installations and exhibitions (immersive media art, technology),
Cultural experiences (e.g., immersive film, music, dance, AV performances),
Thematic exhibitions addressing urgent issues such as privacy, AI, image manipulation, or sensory overload.
Dual program mission:
Expanding our perception of the world through IX (IX as a perspective expander)
Presenting and critically examining the development of IX itself (the view on IX)
To achieve its mission and goals, Katoenhuis acts both as a hub and a presentation platform.
Presentation Platform
The presentation platform serves both professionals and the general public, aiming to inspire and inform. Exhibitions and experiences introduce the broader public to the topic and its applications. It also provides space to showcase, experiment with, develop, and discuss applications.
Hub Function
The hub function targets the professional field, serving as a meeting point and catalyst for sector growth. Think: creators, cultural and academic institutions, tech organizations, and governments.
Altogether, Katoenhuis operates across three main lines:
Immersive Experiences & Sector Applications – How is IX used in business, healthcare, education, etc., and what are the opportunities and risks?
Immersive Experiences & Art/Design – How do art and design practices shape IX, and vice versa?
Immersive Experiences & Education – How can IX be used for knowledge transfer?
These domains are interconnected—for instance, using art and design in educational or sector-based applications.