In brief
Do you already use AI, but does it remain limited to isolated prompts? In the two-day workshop AI for the cultural sector – the next step, you’ll learn to make AI a fixed part of your workflow. You’ll connect AI tools, build a simple tool yourself without programming, and use AI as a creative sparring partner. This is always done from your own practice and with attention to the values of the cultural sector. The workshop takes place on November 19 and 26, 2026, at Innovation:Lab in Utrecht.
In this two-day workshop by DEN and Innovation:Lab, we dive deep. We go beyond just chatting with AI. We explore how to use AI to organize more complex work – which currently takes a lot of time and energy – more efficiently. Without losing your own vision or the unique voice of your organization.
Not a techie? No problem.
You don't need to be a programmer to take this step. In fact, we believe that AI in the cultural sector should mainly be driven by people with substantive knowledge. This training is for anyone who wants to take the next step in applying generative AI. Whether you're a director, programmer, project leader, educational staff member, marketer, or creative maker.
What will we concretely work on?
In this workshop, we work on your own practice. We focus on three pillars:
Work more effectively and efficiently
You’ll learn how to make better use of the AI tools you already work with, so you can achieve good results faster and ensure AI better understands your context. You’ll discover new AI tools and learn how to connect different tools to ensure the information is more accurate and you have less manual work.No answer, but a solution
Turn your organization’s knowledge into a practical tool. You’ll build a simple tool yourself, such as a quiz, checklist, form, or website, without programming. Welcome to the world of vibe coding (opens in new tab), where AI not only provides answers but also builds solutions.AI as a creative sparring partner
For artistic or substantive projects, AI is an interesting tool for reflection. We work with an iterative approach: how do you keep steering and challenging until the output perfectly aligns with your vision? You’ll learn to use AI as a tool that doesn’t take over your creativity but sharpens and broadens it.
Why this approach?
You’ll be guided by Abdelhadi Baaddi, Executive Creative Director of Innovation:Lab. With his background as a maker and performer, he speaks the language of the cultural sector and the language of technology. He guides organizations in exploring new media such as AI and XR, always focusing on artistic and social value. Abdelhadi knows from personal experience how technology can make your work not more complicated but richer.
“AI is not music of the future — it is now. I help you not only understand the technology but especially apply it purposefully and powerfully in your work.”
About Innovation:Lab
Innovation:Lab is a research and development platform where art, technology, and science come together to promote artistic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural renewal. The lab has been applying AI for years to strengthen, accelerate, and enrich creative and business processes. Innovation:Lab is a partner of DEN and provides this training.
Practical
Dates: November 19 and 26
Location: Innovation:Lab, Gietijzerstraat 10, Utrecht
Investment: € 749,- (including coffee, tea, and lunch)
Participation: You’ll get the most out of the workshop if you have a paid account with a generative AI tool (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Copilot). Additionally, we ask you to create a free account with other AI tools, for example, by logging in with a Microsoft or Google account.
Training dates
This training consists of 2 days
Hide planningShow planning
This training consists of 2 days
Day 1 including lunch and drinks
Day 2 including lunch and drinks
Unsure if the workshop is right for you? Contact us!
Daan Damen: daan.damen@den.nl
Abdelhadi Baaddi: abdelhadi@innovationlab.nu
Want to hear practical examples about AI?
Cultuurshift season 3 is now live! This season also features several episodes where we take you through remarkable AI projects in the cultural sector, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Host Anic van Damme and sidekick Splinter Chabot discuss these AI cases with an expert from the sector and ask the question: what inspiration can we in the Netherlands draw from this innovative example?
Frequently asked questions
What will you learn in the workshop AI for the cultural sector – the next step?
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What will you learn in the workshop AI for the cultural sector – the next step?
In this workshop by DEN and Innovation:Lab, you’ll work on three components. First, you’ll learn to better utilize the AI tools you already use and connect tools to reduce manual work. Then, you’ll build a simple tool yourself, such as a quiz, checklist, or website, using vibe coding (opens in new tab). This means AI writes the code based on your instructions. Finally, you’ll use AI as a creative sparring partner to refine your ideas without taking over your own vision.
Who is the workshop for and what should I bring?
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Who is the workshop for and what should I bring?
The workshop is for cultural professionals who regularly use AI and want to take the next step. Think of directors, programmers, project leaders, educational staff, marketers, and creators. You don’t need programming skills. You’ll get the most out of the workshop with a paid account for a generative AI tool, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Copilot. Generative AI is AI that creates text, images, or code itself. Additionally, create free accounts with other AI tools beforehand.
When is the workshop and what does it cost?
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When is the workshop and what does it cost?
The workshop consists of two days: Thursday, November 19, and Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The location is Innovation:Lab, Gietijzerstraat 10 in Utrecht. Participation costs € 749 (excluding VAT and € 1 service fee), including coffee, tea, and lunch. Through Werktuig PPO, you can get 40% of the costs reimbursed. Read how to apply for reimbursement (opens in new tab)
40% reimbursement via Werktuig PPO
For this training, you can get 40% of the costs reimbursed through Werktuig PPO. Check the conditions and read how to apply for reimbursement.
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