Meet the people behind Metavenues

Get to know the Metavenues people!

The Metavenues project (SPOT Groningen, Komodal and ECHO) is exploring the possibilities and opportunities the metaverse presents for music and art venues. Its activities and the EU Commission funding are currently at their midpoint, and we took the opportunity to touch base with Geert-Jan van Beijeren, the project leader for SPOT Groningen:

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your professional path, and your role at SPOT Groningen?
I studied piano and conducting at the conservatory and have been with SPOT Groningen since 2004. Over the years, I’ve combined my work at SPOT with my passion for music, working as a conductor and a teacher at the conservatory. I’ve also spent time in the professional choral world, conducting renowned choirs like the Groot Omroepkoor and the Nederlands Kamerkoor. Currently, I work at SPOT as a Classical Music Programmer and Project Leader.

How did the idea for the Metavenues project arise within the context of SPOT Groningen?
As we planned for our new building, expected to be ready in about eight years, we started thinking about what such a facility should offer. This includes furniture, design, technology, and importantly, new digital innovations. We want to be future-ready and explore how we can remain relevant with the rapid advancement of digital technologies. That’s why we decided to draft a research proposal and work on this with two European partners, Komodal and the European Concert Hall Organisation.

What are your expectations regarding the outcomes of the Metavenues project?
I expect one of the outcomes to be the creation of a platform for knowledge, networking, and learning—a sort of learning community or knowledge center. The initial results show there’s a lack of knowledge, funding, expertise, and collaboration. A platform like this could unite all parties (audience, venues, and artists), increasing our collective impact. Another outcome I foresee is a prototype that enhances our venue’s digital presence, particularly in the Metaverse. The challenge will be to develop a viable business plan for it. After Metavenues 1, we’ll need to continue with a follow-up project that provides more financial resources to test and develop these ideas further.

How has the project impacted your institution so far?
We’ve become much more aware of how rapidly digital technology is developing and how unprepared we’ve been until now.
This will impact our role, our organization, and much more.