Researchers from the Netherlands Film Academy (NFA), the Academy for Theatre and Dance (ATD), and DAS Graduate School—all part of the Amsterdam University of the Arts—have developed an innovative and practical method to support organisations in inclusive and democratic decision-making. This project highlights how research can directly contribute to real-world practices.

Origin of the Research
The Turning Round the House project originated at the Netherlands Film Academy. The Research Department (Lectoraat) faced the challenge of outdated research and publication infrastructure that no longer met the needs of researchers, lecturers, students, alumni, and partners. To address this, a decision-making method was developed, leading to the creation of an online archive. This decision-making method subsequently inspired a new practice-based research project.

The Research Process
The follow-up research, initially titled From Storing to Sharing (now Turning Round the House), was conducted by the Film Academy Research Department in collaboration with the Research Department of the Academy for Theatre and Dance and DAS Graduate School. The researchers reviewed, refined, and tested the methodology with various programmes and groups within the Academy for Theatre and Dance. Their findings and experiences have been consolidated into an online guide for inclusive decision-making: Turning Round the House.

Inclusivity at Its Core
Turning Round the House is an open-access manual designed to help organisations address complex issues through inclusivity. y actively involving all concerned groups, it ensures that every voice is equally heard. This makes it particularly suitable for organisations aiming to prioritise inclusivity and collaboration.

The Method at a Glance
The toolkit is based on three interactive sessions, supported by visual and intuitive tools. With a clear structure, it not only encourages meaningful discussion but also leads to concrete and actionable decisions.

Flexible and Widely Applicable
The open-access nature of Turning Round the House makes it adaptable to a wide range of contexts—from creative projects to institutional policy-making. The method fosters dialogue, transparency, and collaboration within organisations, making it an essential tool for organisations seeking to improve their decision-making processes.

Learn More
The manual and practical tools are freely available via the Netherlands Film Academy website.