WORLD LEISURE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE BREDA, THE NETHERLANDS: PROVIDING UNIQUE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN LEISURE STUDIES

Abstract

World Leisure Center of Excellence Breda (WLCE Breda) in The Netherlands was accredited by the World Leisure Organization in 2014 for its unique research and education in the field of Leisure Studies. The overall aim of WLCE Breda is to support the goals and themes of the World Leisure Organization, to operate in a global Excellence Network in the field of Leisure Studies and to further develop leisure programs and research. The main focus of WLCE Breda is doing research, implementing the WLCE Breda visiting scholars program and providing the MSc Leisure Studies. This paper provides information about this MSc program and the research programs connected to it which focus on storytelling, experience, imagineering, placemaking and events. A key activity of the World Leisure Centers of Excellence network is the organization of a biannual field school connected to World Leisure Organization Congresses. In 2016 the field school will be held in Durban, South Africa and in 2018 in São Paulo, Brazil. Other future plans of the Excellence Network are joint research projects and providing master classes and training courses in the field of leisure aimed at government, community and commercial agencies.