"TRADERS focuses on developing and testing a framework of methodologies on which art and design (A&D) researchers can rely when working on public space projects in participatory ways. This framework is transferable and aims to enhance the potentials in A&D practices to contribute creatively in processes of urban and branch-related change. The framework will inform and will be informed by a toolkit. For coherence in the training, Hasselt-Genk will be the anchor case area on which the ESR researchers work together. TRADERS will cooperate with Z-OUT: a centre of expertise on art, design and architecture in relation to public space.To assure the adequacy of an A&D research project, five complementary research foci are covered that correspond to the methodological framework and entail innovative research topics on participation for public space: Intervention (KHLIM (research group Social Spaces, Media, Arts & Design Faculty i.c.w. LUCA)), Play (UGOT), Multiple Performative Mapping (DAE), Data-mining (RCA) and Modeling in dialogue (CHALMERS). A sixth focus will be on the development of a meta-framework allowing these research foci to communicate and collaborate (KU Leuven).To bundle the strengths of different disciplines to commonly approach other non-A&D disciplines and sectors, every participant will work in a partnership with a public or private organization, offering a research and training environment to the researcher and ensuring that his/her research project has a practical and use-oriented focus.TRADERS contains a training program consisting of, a.o.: supervised involvement in six research/training projects at the host organizations with shared activities in Training-through-Research Synergy weeks, collaboration for the research/training with stakeholders and branches that represent future employers, collaboration with various researchers and enterprises from different countries, network-wide research training and Complementary Skills Training at Summer Schools, conference and secondments to associated partners."