Future Thinking
About
Hello, I’m Denise. I am an artist, researcher, and cultural manager focused on designing transformation concepts and future-resilient strategies. I collaborate with stakeholders from industry, culture, academia, and governmental initiatives.
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In my work, I translate initial impulses into concrete future visions and actions. Together with my partners, I develop narratives and strategies for participatory applications with long-term societal impact. These emerge at the intersection of art, technology, science, and society and are designed for a diverse and broad audience.
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From 2021 to 2025, I developed methods and tools for Future Thinking with the Ars Electronica Futurelab, equipping organizations with future skills and leading projects that resulted in unique prototypes relevant for the society of tomorrow. Since 2026, my work has shifted from a project-based to an ecosystem-centred approach as I am responsible for Cultural Management at Linz Tourism, shaping programs and narratives that position Linz as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. A key part of my work is strengthening networks between cultural initiatives, institutions, and stakeholders.
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Credit: tom mesic
Expertise
Workshops, Inspiration Talks & Moderation
I facilitate workshops, Inspiration Talks, and moderate creative discussion settings within organizations. I also design tailored content to help organizations communicate their values to external audiences, and for the public. Rather than using a standard approach, I curate the material to meet each partner’s and audience’s specific needs and objectives.
My expertise lies in transforming initial ideas into concrete future visions, narratives and actions. Drawing from a rich repertoire of creative tools and methods, I developed in collaboration with experts in Art Thinking, Future Narrative, and Speculative Design, I help unlock and fuel participants’ creative thinking.
Creative Consultancy
I support the enhancement of existing philosophies, projects and platforms. I am providing advice in program design and crafting effective communication strategies to maximize impact and engagement.
Concept Development
Together with my partners, I am shaping future-focused, citizen-centered concepts with lasting societal impact. Through meaningful narratives, we craft memorable yet tangible concepts that resonate with the intended audience. The goal of the concepts is to introduce participatory elements to keep the potential audience engaged.
We can collaborate on concepts based on initiatives that already exist within the organization or dare to create something completely new.
Strategy Design
Our collaboration extends beyond concepts, shaping thoughtful and practical strategies that transform developed narratives into immersive, participatory applications. Additionally, I can take on creative direction during the realization process, ensuring that these concepts and strategies materialize into tangible objects and real-world experiences, and not just remain visions in our minds.
Experience
Work & Collaborations
Cultural Management, Linz Tourism, Linz (since 2026)
Artist & Researcher, Ars Electronica Futurelab, Linz (2021-2025)
Founding Lab, Ars Electronica x IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University, Linz (2023 - 2024)
​Co-Researcher at "How to explain AI", LIT Robopsychology Lab, Linz (2022 - 2023)
Co-Founder & Art Direction, eyes&ah, Austria (2018-2020)​
& many more.
Education
Bachelor of (de)Fine-Art, Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam (2018-2022)
​Diploma Artistic Photography, School Friedl Kubelka Vienna (2017-2018)
​Diploma Fashion design, KunstModeDesign - Herbststrasse, Vienna (2015-2017)
Exhibitions
& Curatorial Activities
Expo 2025 Osaka, Ars Electronica Festival Linz: Art Thinking Lounge & Open Futurelab, Shibuya Sakura Stage Tokyo, Matsudo International Science Art Festival, SusHi Tech Tokyo, Roodkapje Rotterdam, Camera Austria Graz, Fotogalerie Vienna, Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna, Semperdepot Vienna, Stift Millstatt am See
& many more.
Awards & Nominations
Winner, Ars Electronica Futurelab Ideas Expedition (2023 & 2024)
​Honorable Mention, Drempelprijs for Commercial Practice (2022)
​Nomination, Willem de Kooning Academy Research Award (2022)