IFAI TALKS, the new podcast series by the Institute for Art and Innovation, explores the critical intersection of sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Nicole Loeser, director of IFAI Berlin and Buket Dönmez, design lead at IFAI Berlin, are introducing the idea behind the podcast series and the purpose of featuring change-makers.

BD: Hello and welcome to IFAI TALKS, the podcast series where we dive deep into the critical intersection of sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration. My name is Buket, I’m a designer based in Turkey.

NL: And I’m Nicole, a curator and serial social entrepreneur based in Berlin. We are your hosts, and we are absolutely thrilled to embark on this incredible journey with you. Together, we’ll explore the pressing challenges and inspiring solutions in our complex and rapidly changing world.

BD: Before we get started, let’s give you a short intro to IFAI. Nicole and I have been fortunate enough to work together on numerous projects, and we share a deep passion for sustainability and collaboration.

NL: IFAI, the Institute for Art and Innovation explores and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between art, science, and entrepreneurship. It was founded in 2017 and aims at fostering systemic impact and purpose-driven change toward positive futures. 

BD: Our team is highly experienced in developing and executing activities such as research, non-formal and open-source education, public debates, and integrative projects. 

NL: We provide intelligent, innovative strategies and impactful communication methods to involve citizens coming from a diverse range of cultural, professional, and social backgrounds.

BD: We collaborate with a multidisciplinary network of more than 100 organizations from Europe and beyond and thousands of individuals such as artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, policy-makers, and changemakers.

NL: Our team develops projects with a strong emphasis on achieving Sustainable Development Goals. For that, we experiment with diverse formats for sustainable and open innovation. 

BD: These can be public interventions, participatory projects, exhibitions, online and offline workshops, conferences, panels, makeathons, hackathons, and accelerators – all serve to foster creative solutions and symbiotic actions. 

NL: We believe that in that way, we can co-create and transfer knowledge to all spheres of society and build much-needed knowledge management systems to navigate through these challenging times.

BD: Absolutely! And that’s why we decided to create this podcast. We want to bring together experts, creatives, innovators, and change-makers from various fields to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability and the transformative power of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration.

NL: Our goal is to ignite meaningful conversations, challenge conventional thinking, and empower our listeners to take action toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. We hope to paint a picture of positive futures.

BD: You know, as we face global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequity, it’s becoming crystal clear that sustainability is not just an option—it’s an absolute imperative. We must view our decisions and actions through the lens of sustainability if we want to preserve the well-being of our planet and future generations.

NL: But achieving sustainability isn’t something we can do alone. It requires collective action and collaboration across disciplines. We need to work together to make a real impact.

BD: And that’s precisely what this podcast is all about! We’re here to explore the power of interdisciplinary collaboration because we know that complex problems cannot be solved in isolation. It’s time to celebrate the fusion of ideas, perspectives, and expertise from diverse fields.

NL: Definitely, Buket! We’re talking about bringing together environmental science, technology, art and social sciences, design, economics, and so much more. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, we can unlock innovative approaches and discover solutions that have the potential to reshape our world.

BD: Throughout this series, get ready for a wide range of topics! Each episode will explore a different aspect of sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration. We’ll dive deep into renewable energy, the circular economy, sustainable cities, ethical consumption, social justice, and so much more. We’ve got a lot to cover!

NL: I am genuinely excited to embark on this podcast journey with you. We’ll learn together, challenge our assumptions, and discover the incredible power we hold as individuals and communities to shape a better world.

BD: So, if you’re curious, passionate about sustainability, and eager to explore the possibilities of sustainable collaboration, you’re in the right place! Join us in our quest for knowledge, inspiration, and action. 

NL: As we dive into the realm of sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration, I can’t help but think of the profound metaphor of water. Just like water flows effortlessly, merging streams, rivers, and oceans, collaboration has that same power.

BD: Indeed, Nicole! Collaboration dissolves boundaries, transcends disciplines, and brings together diverse perspectives, just like water. It allows us to pool our knowledge, expertise, and resources while creating a force that can overcome even the greatest challenges.

NL: So, let our curiosity and passion ripple outwards. Together, let’s be the catalysts that shape sustainable and regenerative futures, where the currents of collaboration flow freely, nourishing our world.

BD: Thank you so much for joining us in this introduction to IFAI TALKS. We’re excited to have you on this journey, and we can’t wait to share thought-provoking conversations, expert insights, and stories of change with you in the upcoming episodes. Make sure to subscribe to IFAI TALKS on your favorite podcast platform 

NL: And together, let’s create a future where sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration become the norm rather than the exception. Remember, the choices we make today can shape a better tomorrow—a wonderful life for all. So let’s make them count.