Research Studio, Introduction to Artistic Research

Full course description

Research Studio invites to explore conducting research in an interdisciplinary team consisting of artists and academics. Bridging the domains of art and academia, Research Studio challenges students to get out of their ‘comfort zone’ and transfer their academic knowledge and skills to a new working environment. This interdisciplinary view on research is underpinned by the idea that art and academia are not separate domains, but ‘particular kinds of experimental practices in a more general experimental culture’ (Gere, 2010 ). Taken together, this skills training and project trigger creativity, require adaptability and endorse critical reflection on established research practices, methods and ways of knowing. They challenge to critically consider the questions how do we know what we know? And what for? The module starts with an introduction to practices of artistic research, which includes research approaches based on art practices as a means to acquire knowledge (see e.g. Borgdorff, 2012 ). Next, the students will familiarize themselves with artistic research by trying it out themselves. In a small team they will conduct artistic research on a topical issue introduced by an experienced artistic researcher. The aim is not to turn UCM students into artists or to ‘make art’. Instead, the aim is to explore ways in which practices and insights from the arts can help to get to know about the topic of the research. Hence, the project welcomes students from all concentrations. All team-members contribute based on their personal backgrounds, expertise and interests. No specific experience in an art practice is expected. Students should be open to experimenting with new or unfamiliar ways of conducting research, using for instance the body as a research instrument. After devising a research plan, the students will work with our resident artistic researcher(s) on their chosen questions by artistic and academic means and will work towards presenting their findings and their research journey in an ‘Open Studio’ at the end of the period.