# Chris Julien (@chrisjulien.eurosky.social)

Profile: https://sifa.id/p/chrisjulien.eurosky.social
Headline: science philosopher on a burning planet

## About

Chris mixes research and practice in the fields of social innovation, ecology and culture. He is the author of Alledaags activisme (Everyday activism) and currently finishing his second book, on ecopopulism. His experiences include strategic, research and management roles next to cum laude degrees in Conflict Studies & Human Rights and in Cultural Analysis. His expertise in philosophy of science and interdisciplinary research converge in a PhD research at Utrecht University on Ecological Governance in times of collapse. He sits on the supervisory boards of various cultural organisations.

## Experience

- **Auteur at Uitgeverij Podium** (2023 – present)
  Alledaags activisme: van onrust naar daadkracht in het klimaattijdperk
- **Member of the board at Valley of the Possible, Refugio for Art & Research Chile** (2019 – present)
  Valley of the Possible is a Refugio for Art & Research. It hosts a residency for artistic and scientific research exploring new narratives on the relation between homo sapiens and the rest of the natural world.
- **Member of the board at Fiber Festival** (2019 – 2023)
  FIBER is an audiovisual festival in Amsterdam, where electronic music, audiovisual art, interaction and technology join forces to create a cohesive audiovisual experience.
- **Committee Member Festivals at Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie** (2016 – 2020)
  The Creative Industries fund was initiated in 2013 as a new type of cultural fund that operates at the cutting edge of culture, economy and society, with a new sphere of activity: the creative industries. The Fund supports designers and creatives with (inter)national projects, cultural institutions with one-year and multi-year programmes, and talented individuals in the creative industries. Its core task is the stimulation of culture. With its programmes, events, publications and bundling of expertise, the Fund is itself actively involved in establishing connections between culture, entrepreneurship and social engagement.
- **Co-founder at SSBA Salon at Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam** (2012 – 2016)
  SSBA Salon is the 'cultural particle accelerator' of the city theatre of Amsterdam, representing the city's new generation of art & culture lovers. Publishing a digital magazine and hosting numerous events in the theatre and the city, Salon collaborates with many leading young organisations and artists to create and present the finest in contemporary high and popular culture.
- **HF Young Circle at Holland Festival** (2012 – 2014)
  Holland Festival Young Circle; engaging an audience 25-39 yrs. with this leading performing arts festival in Amsterdam.
- **Adjunct Director: finance & operations at Studio 80** (2008 – 2010)
  Heading organisational and financial management for Stichting Studio 80, a talent platform and nightlife venue, reporting directly to the board alongside general director Gert van Veen.
- **Case manager Global Expat Centre at ABN AMRO Bank N.V.** (2005 – 2006)
- **Research Associate at CARE** (2005 – 2005)
  Peace building research: CDA Collaborative Learning Project (CARE International – Kosovo Misson)
- **Beleidsmedewerker Sociale Dienst at Gemeente Leiden** (2001 – 2002)
  caseworker minimabeleid
- **Concept development at intra-action** (2020 – present)
  With intra-action I work on tactical projects that connect ecology, climate and culture. Rooted in interdisciplinary research, intra-action stands for a relational perspective that emphasises the adaptive and resilient qualities of nested systems. For more info: intra-action.com
- **Auteur at Uitgeverij De Geus** (2025 – present)
  Toekomstdieren, te verschijnen in januari 2027
- **Lecturer Critical Studies at Sandberg Instituut** (2019 – 2020)
  The Master’s in Critical Studies is a two-year postgraduate programme in theory and writing. The programme offers an open, interdisciplinary environment for the development of an independent research practice, while providing a rigorous grounding in contemporary strands of critical and philosophical thought. We are especially interested in forms of inquiry and study that are at odds with traditional academic frameworks, including practice-led research and experiments with new theoretical idioms and modes of writing.
- **Research Director at Waag** (2017 – 2020)
  Member of the management team responsible for agenda, structural funding and implementation of Waag research activities and strategy. For twenty five years, Waag has operated at  the intersection of science, technology and art. It focuses on emergent technologies as instruments of social change, guided by the values of fairness, openness and inclusivity. Waag’s dedicated team of sixty thinkers and makers empowers people to become active citizens through technology.
- **Music at Red Light Radio** (2006 – 2020)
  planet B radio show (2018-2020, Red Light Radio) POP CTRL radio show (2012-2020, Red Light Radio)   Backstage (2011-2014, Chicago Social Club)   *Nominatie Gouden Kabouter Katapult (2008-2011, Studio 80)                        *Gouden Kabouter 'Beste nieuwe feestorganisatie'
- **Voorzitter werkgroep kunst en cultuur at GroenLinks Amsterdam** (2016 – 2018)
  De werkgroep kunst en cultuur is de culturele denktank van GroenLinks Amsterdam. We volgen kunst en cultuur in Amsterdam op de voet, ontwikkelen visie, signaleren ontwikkelingen en knelpunten en gaan actief op zoek naar antwoorden en manieren om nieuwe ideeën te verwezenlijken.
- **Founding Partner at Novel | Creative Consultancy** (2013 – 2016)
  Novel cultivates ideas for tomorrow. As a value-based consultancy, Novel works with organisations that seek to play a meaningful role in people’s lives and contribute real value to society
  \- organisations that shape the future. Novel has a unique network approach that harnesses cultural intelligence to create innovative strategies, concepts and campaigns for clients such as The Dutch National Opera, Oedipus Brewing, Triodos Bank, De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam and the European League of Institutes of the Arts.
- **Senior Research Fellow at Waag** (2020 – 2025)
  Co-initiator of the Urban Ecology Lab of Waag (https://waag.org/en/lab/urban-ecology-lab/); work package lead on Horizon 2020 project T-Factor (temporary urbanism and ecology), and co-promotor for Creator Doctus Femke Herregraven in collaboration with Flavia Dzodan and Rietveld/Sandberg Institute.
- **Research & Design Living Lab at FreedomLab** (2017 – 2017)
  Member of a small, multi-disciplinary team in the process design, prototyping and piloting of an innovation laboratory. The design sought to establish a human-centric approach to innovation processes, focussing on how they unfold in real time and within teams. The project involved: the research and design of an optimal third-space environment for creative problem-solving; the development of an optimal process for problem solving based on design thinking; and the formulation of a specific, team-based culture.
  
  I had overall responsibility for design, co-ordination of the delivery of the business case based on the above, next to chief editorial overview of the delivery of the business case, working alongside Gary Carter, Jefta Bade, Yuri Knopper, Thomas Meijaard, BertJan Strating and Eva Wubbe.
- **Member of The Supervisory Board at Nicole Beutler Projects** (2025 – present)
  Nicole Beutler Projects realises performances and curated events initiated by the choreographer, theatre director and artistic director Nicole Beutler. We make interdisciplinary work where music plays a big role for both large and small venues in the Netherlands and beyond.
  
  Our projects are driven by the desire for a potentially better society. All Nicole Beutler’s activities are an invitation to connect and to reflect critically on the human existence. We approach our work from a philosophy of non-hierarchical cooperation, slow production, long-term vision, and concern for the whole person and the planet. Quality, care and attention are the core values on which Nicole Beutler Projects founds a diverse and inclusive company.
- **Docent Liberal Arts & Sciences at Universiteit Utrecht** (2021 – 2021)
  Samenwerking vanuit verschillende vakgebieden is een voorwaarde voor 'interdisciplinair' werken. Deze interdisciplinaire manier van denken wordt onderwezen bij Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). We benaderen onderwerpen als globalisering, klimaatverandering of het samenspel van markt en macht vanuit verschillende perspectieven. Studenten worden opgeleid tot creatieve en kritische wereldburgers.
- **Doctoral Candidate at Universiteit Utrecht** (2021 – present)
  Ecological Governance in times of collapse (buitenpromovendus)  Living in times of climate and ecological collapse poses material and epistemological challenges to practices of knowledge construction and public governance. Situated at the intersection of philosophy of science and political ecology, my PhD develops a 'materialist epistemological' methodology based on eco-philosophical, decolonial and new materialist approaches. These are developed through three scientific scales of mattering: quantum physical, biochemical and ecological. The project mobilises scientific accounts of physical and biological dynamics to elaborate a field of ecological governance, cultivating adaptive capacities of societies in times of increasing environmental upheaval.

## Education

- **Universiteit van Amsterdam** — rMA Arts & Culture (research) (2006 – 2020)
- **Universiteit Utrecht** — MA (2004 – 2005)
- **University College Utrecht** — BA (2001 – 2004)

## Skills

- Co-creation
- Concept Development
- Editing
- Strategic Design
- Writing
- Political Philosophy
- Creative Direction
- Performing Arts
- Entertainment
- Aesthetics
- Art Direction
- Marketing Communications
- New Business Development
- Electronic Music
- Conflict Analysis

## Projects

- **De Nieuwe Kerk winter exhibition**
  Novel was invited by De Nieuwe Kerk to develop a progressive concept for the winter exhibition of 2017 on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King jr. and Nelson Mandela. This resulted in an innovative concept that was approved by the board for the fall of next year. The final concepting phase has been entered with Novel developing the exhibition concept actively with De Nieuwe Kerk team.
- **Strijkkwartet Biënnale Amsterdam** — http://www.sqba.com
  Brand and campaign for the first String Quartet Biennale in Amsterdam in January 2018 at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. Preceded by consulting on policy formation and fundraising.
- **Triodos Bank** — https://www.triodos.nl/
  Consultancy for Triodos focussing on its cultural programmes and stakeholder strategy.
- **Concertgebouw TRACKS**
  Developing the brand and concept of Concertgebouw TRACKS, creating a viable platform to engage young adult audiences on behalf of the Concertgebouw.
- **Transparency International - NL**
  Consultancy project for the Dutch chapter of Transparency International
- a global anti-corruption watch dog and advocacy network. During the summer of 2015, we advised the NGO on key values and outlined a communication strategy for the coming years, pro bono.
- **ATMEN impact programme**
  In samenwerking met Nicole Beutler Projects
- **Met Andere Ogen: Landschapsfestival**
  Ecofestival in Amsterdam-Oost i.s.m. Urban Ecology Lab van Waag Futurelab.

De natuur is weird and wonderful. Alleen zijn wij stedelingen de levende wereld om ons heen een beetje uit het oog verloren. Het is een bron van schoonheid en troost, van ontspanning en welzijn, maar de natuur verkeert inmiddels ook in crisis. Diversiteit neemt af en leefgebieden verdwijnen. In het ecologisch herstel dat voor ons ligt speelt de stad een opmerkelijke rol: niet alleen als hotspot voor biodiversiteit, maar ook als dagelijkse ontmoetingsplek waar we de banden tussen menselijk en ander leven kunnen aanhalen.
- **T-factor (Horizon2020)**
  Work package coordinator on temporary urbanism and urban ecology in collaboration with Waag Futurelab.
- **Keerpunt 25 (Innovatielabs)**
  In samenwerking met Bureau Vergezicht
- **Creator Doctus (Sandberg Institute)**
  Co-promotor of Femke Herregraven (together with Flavia Dzodan) in her Creator Doctus 3rd cycle artistic research trajectory at Sandberg Institute.
- **Opera Forward Festival 2016** — http://operaforwardfestival.nl/
  Opera Forward Festival beleefde tijdens het 50-jarig jubileum van De Nationale Opera haar succesvolle lancering. Het festival onderzoekt de toekomst van de opera door een prisma van de kunsten. Wij ontwikkelde merkstrategie en brand, campagne, partnerships en programmaonderdelen.

We werkten voor de campagne samen met Lesley Moore, Petrovsky & Ramone en brachten o.a. La Bolleur, Florian Mauersberger, Koelka.st en The Rest is Noise aan boord voor het project.
- **Neu Now Festival**
  Developing a Friends programme and sponsorship strategy for NEU NOW, the contemporary arts festival of The European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA). The strategies activate existing and potential networks based on shared causes: the development of artistic talent and international creative exchange.
- **Prince Claus Fund campaign** — http://www.princeclausfund.com
  Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Prince Claus Fund is set to organise several events in November and December 2016, and looks to increase domestic awareness for its brand and cause. The fund has invited Novel to develop a concept based on their renewed vision and run a networked campaign towards the end of the year.
- **Open Embassy** — http://www.openembassy.nl
  Open Embassy is a digital platform that helps answer status holders questions about life in NL 24/7, together with local volunteers.
- **First of August** — http://novelworks.nl/en/projects/first-of-august
  First of August is an Amsterdam-based fashion brand known for the sophisticated simplicity of its collections. Working with unique fabrics and an artisanal production process, each piece creates an aura of timeless style.

Novel delivered an integrated strategy for communication, organisation and sales dimensions of the enterprise for efficient and scalable business based on a set of core values. With regular sessions, this strategy will be implemented over the coming year.
- **Oedipus Brewing** — http://www.oedipusbrewing.com
  Oedipus, a local craftbeer brewery started by four twenty-something friends in 2011, has rapidly grown into a charismatic leader of the new beer movement in NL.

For 2016, Oedipus is set to grow significantly in production and distribution. Setting great store in their founding beliefs and community, Novel developed a brand strategy that allows for value-based practice. Based on this, Novel partner Chris Julien is currently working in-house with Tristan Spits on corporate strategy and scaling.

## Publications

- Like Your House is On Fire (In: Worlding Ecologies) — Valiz (https://valiz.nl/publicaties/worlding-ecologies)
- A Political Ecology of Modernist Resistance: Turning the Tide on Ecomodernism and Ecofascism in the New Climatic Regime — Krisis | Journal for Contemporary Philosophy 44 (1): 68-83. (https://krisis.eu/article/view/40119)
- Collapse — More Posthuman Glossary [Edited by Rosi Braidotti, Emily Jones & Goda Klumbyte] Bloomsbury Academic (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/more-posthuman-glossary-9781350231429/)
- Apparatus and Its Uses: 'Ecologising' Diffraction As A Materialist- Epistemological Practice — MATTER: Journal of New Materialist Research (https://revistes.ub.edu/index.php/matter/article/view/35892)

## Volunteering

- Spokesperson, XR Nieuwsmedia, Political Strategy at Extinction Rebellion NL
- Mede-initiatiefnemer at Cultuurberaad

## Other profiles

- website: https://intra-action.com/