Amsterdam Fashion College
Amsterdam Fashion College (AFC) targets young bicultural adults in Amsterdam who want to professionalize their interest in fashion and entrepreneurship. This encouraged Van Gogh Connects to collaborate with the AFC too.
Eight intensive weekly master classes were organized at which guest lecturers active in the profession prepared the students for an ideas contest. After the classes, they were given a practical assignment relating to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. The participants pitched their ideas to a jury of business professionals and the Van Gogh Museum’s Director of Commercial Affairs.
Research
Before beginning the course, all the participants were given a guided tour of the museum. Impact Centre Erasmus drew up a questionnaire that the participants were asked to fill in twice: before the event (baseline) and after it. In this way, it could be determined whether the pilot at the museum contributed to their entrepreneurial intentions, interpersonal skills and entrepreneurial skills.
Outcomes
A positive impact was detected in terms of developing specific personal skills (being able to work with a group of people), entrepreneurial skills (being able to connect easily with others) and entrepreneurial intentions. These effects were significant: while appreciation of the Van Gogh Museum was already high, it was higher still after participation. The inviting nature of the museum also heightened students’ appreciation and they felt more at home at the VGM after taking part in the programme than they initially expected. Although the students found the museum a little more relevant on competing the course, there is still room for improvement.
Students of the Amsterdam Fashion College during the masterclass.