affect lab is an award winning research practice and creative studio led by Dr. Natalie Dixon and Klasien van de Zandschulp. In collaboration with an international artistic network, we use design research, immersive storytelling and experimental field work to inspire a more inclusive future. Our portfolio is a combination of commission-based work for clients as well as self-initiated projects.
Led by social impact
We are guided by principles of care and empathy for local culture and community with a focus on creating positive social impact. At the heart of our projects we believe in creating networks of trust, fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to the emotional wellbeing of people and cities.
Experimental approach
We use experimental and playful research methods that harness both technology and storytelling to yield insights. See our project Hybrid Spaces in which we explored the influence of technology on intimacy during a pandemic using dance and gossip (yes, you read that correctly).
Co-creation
We value co-creation, not as a buzzword but as a tool for genuine transformative action by - and for - communities. Read about our project Good Neighbours in which we researched social cohesion in neighbourhoods by inviting residents to co-author a narrative journey through their streets using chatbot technology and live performance.
“affect lab’s ability to merge art, research, and technology into compelling narratives is what makes their work resonate. They don’t merely document; they reframe perspectives, challenge norms, and provoke dialogue.”
“affect lab’s research is widely supported, can be applied everywhere and is human and accessible in its implementation. An extremely relevant and well-executed project, perfectly timed and with critical impact.”
Commissioned Exhibitions & Performances
2025
waiting_for_cows
07.2025 - 09.2025
Noorderlicht Photography Biennale Machine Entanglements
Groningen, The Netherlands
waiting_for_cows
06.2025
Karavaan festival, Alkmaar
The Netherlands
Bloody Beautiful
05.2025
World Expo, Netherlands Pavilion
Common Ground Exhibition curated by Nieuwe Instituut
Osaka, Japan
waiting_for_cows
04.2025
VHDG (solo show)
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Bleeding into the Metaverse
03.2025
Tai Kwun Contemporary
Artists’ Night in collab with Art Basel
Hong Kong
Requiem for the Impossible (World Premiere)
02.2025
Homecoming Centre
Cape Town, South Africa
2024
waiting_for_cows
12.2024
MU Hybrid Art House
Sensing Otherness Exhibition Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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10.2024
Noorderlicht
Pixel Perceptions Exhibition
Groningen, The Netherlands
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09.2024
Forum
Museum Night
Groningen, The Netherlands
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09.2024
Nederlands Fotomuseum
Je moest eens weten Exhibition
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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08.2024
Into The Great Wide Open
Vlieland, The Netherlands
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05.2024
FOAM
Photography Through the Lens of AI Exhibition
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2023
Weaving Spaces
10.2023
Dutch Design Week
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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09.2023
Nederlands Film Festival
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Bleeding into the Metaverse
07.2023
Paradiso
DIP Programme
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Metaverses Cha Cha Cha
05.2023
Hek
Basel, Switzerland
2022
How to Tell a Herstory
10.2022
Dutch Design Week
Embassy of Inclusive Society at Van Abbe Museum
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
{Paradise in the Sun} Or a garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers
10.2022
Chiswick House & Gardens
part of the GrowFM programme
London, UK
Counter Consideration
04. 2022
STRP Festival
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
2021
Good Neighbours
10.2021
Dutch Design Week
Embassy of Safety
Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Good Neighbours
09.2021
Nederlands Film Festival
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Good Neighbours
2020
Good Neighbours
10.2020
York Mediale
York, UK
2019
Good Neighbours
09.2019
Fak’ugesi Festival
Johannesburg, South Africa
Clients and Partners
affect lab works with a variety of cities, institutions, companies and platforms in the field of interactive storytelling, arts and culture.
Amongst others: The British Council, The City of Amsterdam, French Institute of South Africa, Amsterdam Museum, ThinkWell, MU Hybrid Art House, STRP festival, Metropolitan Museum, Design Indaba, Het Nieuwe Instituut, Dutch Design Foundation, NXT museum, British Art Fund.
Universities
We work in close collaboration with international universities and higher-education institutions to develop and lead inspiring course modules on social design and experimental research methods.
Amongst others: Design Academy Eindhoven, M.I.T Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ArtEZ University of the Arts, University of Johannesburg, School of Visual Arts New York, Royal Academy of the Arts The Hague, University of Amsterdam, KASK Ghent.
Skills
Design Research
Immersive Storytelling
Consulting & Coaching
Experience Design
Keynote Presentations
Workshops
Cultural Insights
Field Research
Placemaking
Awards
2021 Winner of the prestigious Dutch Design Foundation award for Design Research
2021 Nominated for the Gouden Kalf award for digital culture (Netherlands Film Festival)
Board
affect lab is a registered foundation
(stichting) in The Netherlands.
Chair Piet Boogert
Secretary Jennifer Lem
Board member Simone Janssens