Organized by the Student Council and our BBA Students
This BIW was an immersive experience that offered a space to our talented BBA and MIB students to transcend conventional boundaries, fostering creativity, and providing inspiration. Business and Art share some key components like adaptability, creativity, and the prevailing need to explore unexpected ways to create. For this edition, the organizing team designed a BIW to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of the arts and business, fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
Day 1: The morning session, inaugurated by Carla Perez’s enthusiastic welcome address, set an energetic tone for the week ahead. Guest speaker Joanna Ingarden offered invaluable insights drawn from her rich experience straddling the worlds of painting and photography. Her discourse not only shed light on the evolution of artistic practices but also illuminated the integration of contemporary business strategies within the artistic milieu.
The day unfolded with a diverse array of activities, ranging from the “Define Your Art” workshop, where participants explored the intricacies of artistic expression through collaborative painting sessions, to Sarah Pruse’s illuminating discourse on the mechanics of art auctions and the intersection of art and finance. The Workshop Auction Industry provided a hands-on opportunity to delve into market dynamics, bidding strategies, and the art of selling. Collectively, these experiences laid a robust foundation for the week ahead, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of art and business in fostering innovation and creativity.
Day 2: To kick off the second day, the group decided to combine what they have learned during Day 1 and organized an auction for the art pieces that they collectively created. The President of the Student Council, Roman Markov, and the Vice-president, Nikolay E., led this activity and simulated an auction.
Our student Martine-Jane K. shared a contribution to this blog about the second session in Day 2:
“During the second part of the morning session, a young Swiss rapper named Badnaiy came to present her work and lifestyle. I had heard of her in the past because some of my friends know her. It was really interesting to learn about her music production process. When we listen to music, we rarely think about the process behind writing the songs. Her presentation gave me a clear idea of how she spends her days. One part of the discussion particularly intrigued me. Badnaiy talked about rappers who lie about their lives to gain an audience and clout, which she finds reprehensible. I share her opinion, as I don’t see any purpose in such behavior. It’s always easier to be honest and not make things up. Personally, I prefer to listen to artists who stick to the truth in their music. Even if the story isn’t extraordinary, I value authenticity”.
In the afternoon, BIW participants joined a site visit to the Museum of Art in Pully, where they followed an interactive exhibition of contemporary art, with different components meant to provide new experiences and help them connect with their senses through art.
“During the visit, we experienced a variety of elements such as optical illusions, tastings of fermented beverages, and activities designed to liberate the mind (like a rage room). Each exhibit offered a unique and engaging experience, though none were directly related apart from the overarching theme of immersive and interactive exhibitions. The diversity of experiences allowed us to engage our senses indifferent ways and provided a fresh perspective on the boundaries of contemporary art, Martine-Jane K.
Day 3: During the morning session, students engaged in a 16-question Kahoot quiz summarizing their visit to the art museum in Pully which happened the previous day. Questions covered various aspects, from the type of art to specific details like color and shape, with a highlight on the Virtual Reality (VR) experience. Later, a guest speaker, Hugo, shared his photography journey, starting from leaving school at 15 to traveling the world for a company. His passion for photography blossomed over time, leading to his current full-time profession. His unconventional approach to photography, focusing on capturing unique moments rather than conforming to norms, resonated with the young audience.
In the subsequent workshop, students collaborated on their project, exploring topics ranging from the overview of the photography industry to entrepreneurial mindset and effective marketing techniques. Inspired by Hugo’s insights, they engaged in meaningful discussions, with personal aspirations and creative ambitions encouraged by both the guest speaker and their peers. This workshop fostered an environment of open dialogue and genuine interest, transforming the task into an enjoyable exchange of ideas and visions.
The Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts in Lausanne has an exterior boasted a starkly modernist facade but stepping inside revealed a world of artistic wonder. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old treasures, including an exhibition on surrealism, every artwork told its own captivating story, inviting the BIW Participants to explore the depths of human creativity and expression.
Day 4: In this session, the BIW participants followed a presentation by Luca Fierro, a filmmaker and director. The participants shared that they were captivated by “the energy of an entrepreneur with a free spirit in this world of rules and schedules”. In his presentation, Fierro discussed diverse topics like the multitasking abilities of a film director and the work ethic that he follows in his production process.
“Fierro emphasizes the importance of a solid contract – He has had the experience of losing time working on a project, because the artist backed off or changed ideas. He dives into the nitty-gritty: writing the script, hiring a crew that sticks together (adaptability is key!), and meticulously crafting a shot list (a list of all the camera shots he imagines could represent the video in mind) – a roadmap for renting the right equipment. Recces, or location scouts go and check the location to film, ensuring everything runs smoothly on shoot day. The production schedule is a bible, but even the most meticulous plans require flexibility. Fierro reminds us: video directing is like solving problems. Letting go of cherished ideas might sting, but experience teaches you to roll with the punches. Pre-production can stretch to a month, while filming might be as condensed as two days”, Andre Voirol.
Day 5: On the culminating day of Business Innovation Week (BIW), students showcased their creative ideas across eight diverse presentations. From illuminating the intricacies of the global music industry to delving into art entrepreneurship and the dynamics of gallery management, each group offered valuable insights into various facets of the creative economy. Presentations emphasized the importance of understanding market trends, fostering brand identity, and leveraging digital platforms for sustainable growth.
The jury’s feedback provided constructive criticism and highlighted areas for further exploration, such as diverse ways in which professionals can enrich the narratives. Networking emerged as a recurring theme, underscoring its pivotal role in forging connections and accessing resources for entrepreneurial success. Group 7’s presentation on the “After Festival Project” was awarded top honors, showcasing a comprehensive exploration of the cinematic industry’s evolving landscape and its potential impact on cultural events.
As BIW participants dived deep into industry insights and developed their entrepreneurial skills through engaging workshops and presentations, they also gained invaluable knowledge and practical insights into navigating the complexities of the creative economy.
Organizers of the BIW Spring 2024:
- Narjisse Zouhair
- Kasiet Zholdoshbekova
- Leonardo Troisi
- Roman Markov
- Nikolay Eruntsov
- Carla Pérez
- Sabrina Harar
