The Mercator Experience
Transforming the way you engage with Mercator, Maps and Flemish Ingenuity through our innovative experience strategy
Introduction
Why
To ensure that Mercator, Maps, and Vlaams Vernuft continue to stand as iconic symbols of Flemish heritage for years to come.
In 2025, coinciding with the 600th anniversary of Mercator's alma mater at KU Leuven, we will intensify our efforts to introduce the Mercator experience universe. This includes launching traveling introductory experiences and offering deeply immersive visits at key sites like the Mercator Island in Rupelmonde and the Mercator Museum in Sint-Niklaas. Our vision extends beyond individual sites to revitalizing the regions surrounding them.
By tapping into the rich heritage and cultural significance of these icons, along with showcasing Mercator's key maps and objects, we aim to attract visitors worldwide and foster a deep sense of connection with our heritage. Through strategic initiatives and innovative programming, we seek to cultivate lasting relationships with visitors, turning them into passionate advocates who champion our region globally.
Visit Flanders is committed to creating both analog and digital immersive experiences centered around Mercator, Maps, and Vlaams Vernuft. Whether visitors explore physical sites or engage with digital content and interactive exhibits, our goal is to captivate them with rich storytelling and interactive elements that bring our history and culture to life. By offering a blend of traditional and cutting-edge experiences, we appeal to a diverse range of visitors and inspire them to become enthusiastic brand ambassadors for Flanders.
Recognizing the importance of investment in preservation, we are committed to sustainable tourism development. This project will serve as a pilot for Visit Flanders, enabling us to develop a sustainable methodology within the framework of Traveling to Tomorrow, aligning with long-term environmental and cultural preservation goals.
Investing in the preservation and renovation of these sites ensures they remain valuable assets for future generations. This investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes to the overall prosperity and well-being of the region.
Through strategic partnerships and innovative funding models, we will secure the necessary resources to carry out these vital preservation and renovation projects. By doing so, we ensure that Mercator, Maps, and Flemish Ingenuity continue to stand as iconic symbols of Flemish heritage for years to come.
Vision & Objectives Shaping the Mercator Experience
Discover Our Strategic Direction and Ambitions for Engagement
What is Succes?
Success is about creating a durable, experience program that captivates, informs, and connects with the ideal audience about the worlds of Mercator, Maps, and Flemish Ingenuity.
Our strategy leverages new technology to attract visitors and offers innovative ways to experience our collections and locations.
We highlight the importance of specific locales, ensuring that our visitors journey to the destinations that truly resonate.
Through a blend of traditional and modern experiences, we engage our audience while deeply honoring the cultural and environmental essence of each location.
System
We're revolutionizing engagement with Mercator, Maps, and Flemish Ingenuity by merging authentic collections with cutting-edge technology for dynamic, easily updated exhibitions. Here's our streamlined approach:
1. Inventory & Digitization: Cataloging and digitizing our and external collections for easy exhibition access.
2. Artifact Selection & Exhibition: Annually curating displays by theme and space, utilizing a broad collection range.
3. Storytelling: Crafting tailored or broad narratives for each artifact.
4. Immersive Experience Design: Creating or enhancing interactive and virtual displays for artifact/theme-specific engagement.
5. Iterative Improvement: Analyzing post-exhibition feedback for continuous experience enhancement, targeting greater engagement each cycle.
This strategy enables us to offer dynamic, engaging museum experiences that highlight a diverse array of artifacts.
Objectives (& Key results)
Throughout the program we want to continously learn and grow to achieve our mission of a sustainable system that ensures Mercator, Maps, and Flemish Ingenuity continue to stand as iconic symbols of Flemish heritage for years to come.
We've currently defined these Objectives:
- Enhance Artifact Accessibility
- Improve Visitor Engagement
- Optimize Cost Efficiency
- Achieve Growth in Visitor Numbers and Revenue
- Ensure Financial Sustainability for Future Maintenance
Procurement & Tenders
Our Procurement Strategy
So every partner can focus on what they do best.
Scenography and Dramaturgy for Locations and Exhibitions
This tender focuses on the design and implementation of scenography and dramaturgy for both locations and specific exhibitions within the Mercator Experience Strategy. We seek expertise in crafting immersive environments and narrative structures that enhance visitor engagement and storytelling.
For Locations: The emphasis is on creating flexible and adaptable environments that can accommodate various artifacts, collections, and themes as they are identified over time. The goal is to design spaces that can evolve and transform to showcase different aspects of the Mercator Experience while maintaining a cohesive and immersive atmosphere.
For Specific Exhibitions: This aspect of the tender zooms in on designing bespoke scenography and dramaturgy for individual exhibitions within the Mercator Experience Universe. Suppliers are tasked with creating immersive environments tailored to specific themes or collections, ensuring a seamless and impactful visitor experience.
By emphasizing flexibility and adaptability, this tender seeks to create dynamic spaces and exhibitions that can evolve with the ever-changing landscape of the Mercator Experience Strategy.
Individuals for Steering Committees
In this tender, we seek qualified individuals to join steering committees responsible for guiding and overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of the Mercator Experience Strategy. Ideal candidates possess expertise in heritage preservation, tourism development, and strategic planning.
Reach Stack (Hardware)
This tender pertains to the acquisition and deployment of hardware and systems necessary to enhance reach and accessibility across various touchpoints within the Mercator Experience Strategy. This includes digital signage, interactive displays, and other technologies aimed at extending the reach of our immersive experiences.
Reach Stack Management
In this tender, we focus on the management and optimization of the reach stack infrastructure. Suppliers will be responsible for overseeing the deployment, maintenance, and performance monitoring of the reach stack components, ensuring seamless operation and maximum impact across all touchpoints.
Engagement Stack (Content) - Introduction and Acquisition
Here, we focus on initiatives aimed at introducing visitors to the Mercator Experience Universe and acquiring their initial engagement. This may involve marketing campaigns, outreach programs, and introductory events designed to attract and captivate new audiences.
Engagement Stack (Content) - Deeply Immersive
This tender centers on the development and implementation of deeply immersive experiences that immerse visitors in the rich history and culture of Mercator, Maps, and Vlaams Vernuft. From interactive storytelling to virtual reality installations, these experiences aim to leave a lasting impact on participants.
Engagement Stack (Content) - Nims
This tender seeks proposals for the integration of Nims or Contextually Aware Personal Assistants within the Mercator Experience Strategy. Suppliers are invited to submit proposals outlining their approach to developing and implementing individual assistants that personalize the journey of users and stakeholders within the Mercator Experience Universe. Proposals should detail expertise in AI and XR technologies, as well as strategies for dynamic guidance, tailored recommendations, and enhancing engagement. The selected supplier will be responsible for the seamless integration of Nims into the overall experience strategy, ensuring a personalized and immersive journey for every visitor and stakeholder.
Engagement Creator Stack
In this tender, we seek innovative creators, including artists, storytellers, and experience designers, to develop engaging content and experiences that resonate with visitors and bring the Mercator Experience to life.
Artifact Management Stack
This tender addresses the management and curation of artifacts, maps, and historical objects central to the Mercator Experience. From preservation efforts to exhibition design, this stack ensures that these valuable assets are carefully curated and presented to visitors in meaningful ways.
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And help us bring this universe to life.
Inspiration Meet Mercator and The Mercator Eiland
Take three minutes of your time to learn about the universe we're bringing to life.
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Speak with our Strategy Expert
Engage with our dedicated Strategy Expert to gain deeper insights into our tender requirements and explore collaborative opportunities tailored to your expertise.
What to Expect:
- Personalized guidance on tender requirements and submission processes.
- Tailored insights into specific project needs and strategic objectives.
- Expert advice on how to align your offerings with our vision for the Mercator Experience Strategy.
- Collaborative exploration of partnership opportunities and potential areas of contribution.
- Clear next steps to ensure a smooth and productive engagement process.