EXPERIENCE LIFE-LONG INK
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Artist talks, educational lectures, comic workshops and much more. In Düsseldorf's Media Harbour, a new place for exchange, learning and creativity has emerged. The Wacom Experience Center is the meeting place for Düsseldorf's vibrant tech, startup and creative communities.
The portrait of a man is emblazoned on 50 square metres of wall space in Düsseldorf's Medienhafen. Lines run through his face, dividing it into coloured areas. The mural by Dutch street artist Tymon de Laat depicts the poet Heinrich Heine. The mural is part of the European headquarters of Wacom. The company develops pen computers, tablets and pads as well as digital ink for use in business and design, medicine and education. In addition, Wacom supplies components to leading mobile phone, tablet and PC manufacturers. “Heinrich Heine was a revolutionary who used ink to get his message across. Just like the medium of ink in general, this is still relevant,” says Stefan Kirmse, the company's Global Brand Activist. With the portrait of the Düsseldorf poet, the company also expresses its ties to the city. In July 2016, Wacom moved its headquarters from Krefeld to Düsseldorf. Since then, the technology provider has been involved locally, supporting music and film festivals in the city, lecture series and creative congresses, for example, and running workshops for manga and comic artists, for adults and children.
Now, with the new Experience Centre, these activities have found a home. On 500 square metres, there are tables that invite you to test and create, a room for recording podcasts and streaming, a VR studio and a dedicated cinema with red velvet armchairs.
„Heinrich Heine was a revolutionary who used ink to get his message across. Just like the medium of ink in general, this is still relevant.“
An open house for those interested.
In Portland, Oregon, USA, there has been such an experience centre since 2016, where illustrators, draftsmen, designers and artists exchange ideas, share their skills, report on experiences and learnings. There are evenings where people draw together on Wacom tablets and support each other. The company organises workshops in Portland where you can learn about the use of digital ink, for example in 3D design, VR and gaming. From Artist Talks to Talk & Draw hours to workshops on the application of digital ink in everyday business life: Similar to Portland, the range of events in Düsseldorf is also broad. Just like the fields of application of digital pens and tablets themselves. Since the beginning of the pandemic and the accompanying advance in the digitalisation of education, the business unit Education has been particularly successful.
A similar centre is being built in Düsseldorf: The Wacom Experience Center Portland.
Coffee bar as a place of exchange at the European headquarters.
Digital learning needs digital tools.
In this field, too, Wacom is planning seminars, events and workshops. It goes without saying that the whole range will also work digitally. A separate room within the centre is designed for recording podcasts and streaming events. To implement the concept, Wacom is working with strategic partners, artists, educators, developers and pioneers of digital transformation. Always with the aim of promoting innovative thinking and engagement and inspiring people across all ages and walks of life.
Wacom's European headquarters with its 123 employees is located in the same building as the Experience Center. Here, marketing and sales activities for the European region are planned and coordinated, work is done on the further development of digital ink and the Wacom brand is managed on a global level. The 1600 sqm office space was newly built according to New Work criteria and equipped with lounge areas, quiet and collaboration zones as well as a café & bar.
A rooftop terrace invites people to hold meetings, lunch breaks and open-air gatherings during the summer months. The portrait of Heinrich Heine is also emblazoned up here, keeping a watchful eye on the many activities. Like workshops and lectures, readings and further educational courses. “A little education adorns the whole person,” the poet well knew more than a hundred years ago already. What he wrote down in ink then, was thereby preserved for posterity. And is as relevant as ever.
ABOUT WACOM
Wacom is the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions.
Founded in Kazo City, Japan 1983
Affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries and areas.
European Headquarters in Düsseldorf
Wacom
Zollhof 11-15, Düsseldorf
wacom.com
Pictures Celine Al-Mosawi