News

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming event, hosted in collaboration with the Research Center for Material Culture:

Sounding – Listening: Artistic Research as Resistance and Reverberation

Date: 12 December 2024
Location: RCMC/Wereldmuseum Leiden

The central interest of this event is in exploring how listening, and concepts emerging from sonic experience, enrich artistic research. Listening involves becoming aware of ways we vibrate with the spaces and beings around us. Such listening has meaning, influencing how we and others live. But what are we not hearing or noticing? What are we silencing, and what is being muted?

With an inspiring lineup of speakers, this event explores ecological justice, decolonial listening, and the potential of sonic experience. Confirmed speakers include: Feli Navarro, Satch Hoyt, and Rachel Beckles Willson.

Program highlights:

– Morning workshop: Deep Listening with Feli Navarro (max. 25 participants)

– Afternoon presentations, 30-minute participatory presentations followed by Q&A:

1. Reverberation and ecological listening in performance by Feli Navarro

2. Heterophonia and generative processes in knowledge creation by Rachel Beckles Willson

3. Un-Muting: Unlistening for Listening by Satch Hoyt

For more information about the event itself, about the program, and how to register, visit the Research Center for Material Culture event page. Or register directly by clicking this form link: Event Registration Form

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

We are excited to announce that we are looking for a Researcher (0.6-0.8 FTE) to join our dynamic team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of practice-based research with the Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative program across the arts and creative sectors in the Netherlands.

As part of this pioneering initiative, you will:

– Map the research landscape across 15 Universities of Applied Sciences by conducting interviews and performing in-depth analysis.

– Develop strategies to ensure the lasting impact of Professional Doctorate research in the arts and creative domains.

You will be based at Avans University of Applied Sciences (Breda/Den Bosch) but will travel frequently to collaborate with other institutions across the country.

Interested in contributing to the future of arts + creative research?

More information about the position and how to apply can be found here (in Dutch only): Researcher Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative.

Application deadline is October 13.

On June 14th, the third annual Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative symposium took place at Breda University of Applied Sciences. It was a day filled with inspiring presentations, engaging discussions, and a vibrant exchange of ideas. We are excited to share a visual recap of the event through this photo reportage.

For all Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative candidates, the symposium activities began a day early with a workshop by multidisciplinary artist Yin Yin Wong. Candidates engaged in hands-on activities, exploring creative techniques across various media.

The official opening of the symposium was marked by Erwin van Braam’s warm welcome. The highlight was the introduction of our new PD candidates, each introducing themselves and presenting their research projects.

Liesbet van Zoonen delivered an insightful keynote on auto-ethnography, followed by compelling lectures from Yin Yin Wong, Quinsy Gario, and Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano.

These sessions were recorded and are available to watch online here.

Attendees took a break to network and exchange ideas, followed by breakout sessions that delved deeper into the day’s themes. After the sessions, participants shared their insights and findings.

The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Anke Coumans, highlighting the key takeaways from the symposium. This was followed by network drinks, offering a relaxed environment for attendees to connect and reflect on the day’s discussions.

We hope these photos give you a glimpse into the enriching experience of our symposium. A special thank you to all visitors for making this event a success.

All pictures are taken by Corneliu Ganea from Unframed Visuals

This fall, we will organise the pre-PD program for potential PD Arts + Creative candidates again.

About the pre-PD program

The pre-PD program is organised to help potential candidates develop their PD proposals. It will be offered to potential candidates to enter the program during its pilot phase and consists of 5 sessions. To participate in a pre-PD program as a potential PD candidates, you should be nominated for participation by a University of Applies Science (UAS).

The program is structured around the main components of the PD proposal, as formulated in appendix 3 of the validated PD Programme description. The (quality of) resulting PD proposals may inform the UAS decisions to select or not select a candidate for the PD programme. The proposals of selected candidates are submitted to the Graduate Committee (GC) by the UAS for a procedural assessment of the PD Arts and Creative, together with the required Education and Supervision Plan (OBP, see Appendix 2 of the validated PD Programme description).

Location

Social Impact Factory in Utrecht (sessions are held at Vredenburg 40 or at Kromme Nieuwengracht 3, check session details for the correct location)

Dates

Session 1: Friday September 6th, 2024 (time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Session 2: Friday September 20th, 2024 (time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Session 3: Friday October 4th, 2024 (time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Session 4: Friday October 18th, 2024 (time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Session 5: Friday November 8th, 2024 (time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Pre-PD programme starting points are:

1. The sessions are structured around the first five sections of a PD proposal. During and after each session, all candidates draft the section of their proposal related to that session;
2. The remaining sections of the PD proposal, sections 6, 7, and 8, are written under the supervision of the candidate’s PD supervisors;
3. The programme is attentive to visual input and other ways of writing outside of academic writing;
4. The programme pays special attention to the development of a good research question; as well as
5. To research ethics and the difficulties that come with collaboration in complex research

Session format:
10.00: reception and warm up/team building

10.30: introduction to the objectives of the day plus a short pitch from the candidates 11.30: writing sprints including lunch (13.00-13.30)

13.30: discussion of writings in groups with Taskforce members and professors 14.30: writing sprints

15.30: discussion of writings in groups with Taskforce members and professors

16.00: closing

The pre-PD sessions

Session 1. Practice problem, Purpose & Leading Question

When: September 6, 2024, time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Social Impact Factory, Vredenburg 40, Utrecht

a. Which ‘problem’ do you want to address through your project. With which artistic or societal partners have you developed this problem definition, whose problem is it. How familiar are you with this problem and why are you the right person to do the research? The answers to these questions should be supported with proof of previous work and activities.

b. What is the purpose of your research: to know more about the problem, to redefine the problem, to solve it, to change existing ideas or practices, etc. Who will benefit from your work, identify concrete partners, who ideally have been involved in defining the problem as well.

c. Summarize practice and problem in a concise research question

Session 2. Research and Change Approach

When: September 20, 2024, time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Social Impact Factory, Vredenburg 40, Utrecht

Which artistic, design or other creative method(s) will be used? Why are these frameworks most relevant to and useful for the research question? How do they relate to the research environment?

Special points of interest for this session:

Is the research change-oriented? How is this change orientation supported by its methods? What is the added value of an artistic or creative approach as opposed to others? Can the research question be answered within four years based on the proposed way of working?

Session 3. Roles & Integration of Roles

When: October 4, 2024, time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Social Impact Factory, Vredenburg 40, Utrecht)

a. Describe how and when the four roles – of innovator, professional, researcher and change agent- come back in the research. Motivate why the candidate will be able to fulfil these roles after completing the PD proposal.

b. How are the roles distinctive and where do they overlap in the research? How do they form a coherent PD practice and how do they contribute, together to the proposed outcome (think in terms of ‘one cannot realize change without a professional way of working’, or ‘innovations come from research’, etctera).

Session 4. Ethics

When: 18 October, 2024, time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Social Impact Factory, Vredenburg 40, Utrecht

Which ethical issues could be encountered during, or could arise from the research? Which ethical implications could the proposed methodologies have? What will you do with them? Does your institute need to give ethical approval and did you acquire it?

Session 5.Contributions to Practice, Knowledge, and the Domain

When: 8 November, 2024, time 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Social Impact Factory, Kromme Nieuwegracht 3, Utrecht

Take notice that this has to go back to problem and purpose as well

a. how does your arts discipline and/or the societal domain in which you have worked benefit from your project

b. what kind of knowledge have you gained, has your discipline gained and the societal domain, think of what you know now, that you did not know before, both in terms of content, of ways of working (methods), ethics etc

c. how does your project fit in the wider domain and what does it contribute, check the program proposal and the learning goals to articulate this.

We are excited to introduce the newest cohort of PD candidates for the Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative program. This year, we welcomed six new PD candidates to our Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative program. These researchers are embarking on inspiring projects that address critical issues in today’s society. Here’s a short introduction and a glimpse into their work.

‘The Resonance of Vocalising: Sonorous Imaginings of Future Ecological States’ by Sofia Bardoutsou

Sofia explores the social and ecological implications of vocal performance and soundscapes. Her research investigates how the human voice and its resonances could foster deeper connections with future ecological states, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and novel artistic practices.

‘RISING TIDES, SHIFTING IMAGINARIES: Envisioning Climate Futures’ by Carlo De Gaetano

Carlo’s research addresses the critical issue of sea level rise in the Netherlands. Through participatory climate fiction-making and speculative design, he aims to create new imaginaries for cohabitation with environmental changes, integrating diverse perspectives and knowledge systems.

‘Design for Collective Decision Making’ by Tara Karpinski

In her research, Tara focuses on on designing interfaces for emerging collective decision making processes — a critical area as digital technologies and democratic processes become ever more intertwined. The research project will involve case studies with different partners, including the Community Land Trust H-buurt. Tara will collaborate closely with collectives and other stakeholders to design and develop prototypes

‘DRAG MOTHERING AS PEDAGOGY: Redressing Actions for the Oppressed’ by Panagiotis Panagiotakopoulos

Panagiotis explores the intersection of drag performance and education, focusing on how drag mothering could serve as a form of queer care and pedagogy. By examining the relationship between art institutions and subcultural educational models, Panagiotis aims to create collective methods of un/learning within creative institutional contexts.

‘As Waters Rise: Countering Eco-Anxiety Through Music and Film’ by Kim Spierenburg

Kim’s project responds to the societal call for artists to address climate change. By creating musical and filmic works that counteract eco-anxiety, she aims to foster engagement and proactive behavior towards environmental challenges, offering a nuanced perspective on the Dutch relationship with water and climate.

‘The Game Is Over, The Feelings Continue: Designing for Bleed in Digital Narrative Games’ by Raymond Vermeulen

Raymond’s project focuses on creating digital games that leverage the concept of ‘bleed’—the emotional transfer between players and their characters. By developing new frameworks and safety tools, his research aims to enhance the emotional impact and safety of digital narrative games.

These candidates provided insightful introduction into their approaches and dedication to address critical issues with their projects during the symposium’s presentation round. We look forward to seeing the impact of their projects as they progress.

An overview of all our candidates and more information about their research projects can be found on professionaldoctorate.nl

All pictures are taken by Corneliu Ganea from Unframed Visuals

On June 14th, the Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative program held its third annual symposium at Breda University of Applied Sciences. For those who couldn’t attend or wish to revisit the insightful sessions, we are happy to share the recordings of some presentations.

Introduction to auto-ethnography in artistic and design Research by Liesbet van Zoonen

In this enlightening session, Liesbet van Zoonen provides a comprehensive overview of auto-ethnography and its applications in artistic and design research. Her talk delves into the historical roots of this methodology and its significance in contemporary practices, offering invaluable insights for researchers and practitioners alike.

Lecture by Yin Yin Wong: multidisciplinary artistic practices

Yin Yin Wong, a renowned multidisciplinary artist and educator, presents her work spanning various media including film, sculpture, drawing, and site-specific installations. This lecture explores how she integrates different forms of media to create impactful artistic expressions and educational experiences.

Lecture by Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano: exploring water ecologies

Artist, writer, and educator Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano discusses his research on water ecologies and their intersections with technical, historical, and mythological infrastructures. His presentation offers a deep dive into the complexities of water as a subject of artistic inquiry, emphasizing its cultural and ecological significance.

Pictures taken by Corneliu Ganea (Unframed Visuals)

On June 14th, the Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative program welcomed a vibrant new cohort of seven PD candidates during its third annual symposium hosted at Breda University of Applied Sciences.

At the symposium, each new candidate presented their upcoming projects, which span a fascinating array of topics from climate change adaptation, to exploring dragtivism and queer care, enhancing empathy through digital games, to studying collective vocal practices and the impact of digital community platforms. These presentations highlighted the candidates’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic research and addressing critical contemporary issues.

In an insightful keynote, Liesbet van Zoonen’s provided a historical context of auto-ethnography, deepening the understanding of its application in current practices. The symposium also featured insightful lectures from artists Yin Yin Wong, Quinsy Gario, and Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano, who explored the utilization of auto-ethnography in their work, enriching the candidates’ perspectives on artistic methodologies. Concluding with breakout sessions, the event facilitated deeper discussions on auto-ethnography as an artistic research method, sparking engaging conversations among all participants.

We are grateful to all who attended and contributed to the discussions, making it a truly connective and enriching day. Documentation of the day’s program, capturing the discussions and presentations, will soon be available on our website.

For more details on the candidates and their research directions, please visit https://www.professionaldoctorate.nl/domeinen/kunst

We are excited to announce that Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative is now on LinkedIn and Instagram! Our new social media channels will serve as platforms for sharing our journey, connecting with the creative community, and providing you with fresh insights and inspiration.

On LinkedIn, you’ll find updates on our innovative programs and upcoming events that are shaping the future of creative industries. Follow us here to connect with like-minded professionals and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.

On Instagram, get ready for a visual journey through the creative processes and behind-the-scenes content of PD Arts + Creative researchers. Follow us here for your dose of creativity and inspiration, and see how the students and institutions are redefining the arts + creative (research) fields.

Stay connected and be the first to know about our events, workshops, and special announcements. We look forward to growing our community with you and exploring the endless possibilities of the creative world together.

Follow us, share with your network, and let’s make a creative impact together!

We are delighted to invite you to the third symposium of the Professional Doctorate Programme of the Arts + Creative domain, which will take place in Breda on Friday, June 14th, 2024, at BUas Breda University of Applied Sciences.

This year’s Professional Doctorate symposium explores auto-ethnography as a method in artistic and design research. Through presentations and discussions, participants investigate how personal experiences intersect with broader philosophical, social, and cultural questions. The symposium aims to unearth the political and historical dimensions within individual narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of self-representation and scholarly engagement in contemporary contexts.

You are welcome to join us for lunch at 12:00 and at 13:00, the symposium will start with the introduction of the new PD-candidates, followed by a keynote on auto-ethnography in artistic research. Then, three short lectures will be given and after this, several break out sessions with our PD-candidates will take place.

Program:

• 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch and walk-in for the symposium
• 13:00 – 13:10: Welcome by Jorrit Snijder – President of the Executive Board BUas
• 13:10 – 14:00: Presentation of new PD research projects
• 14:00 – 14:10: Introduction on types of auto-ethnography in artistic and design research by Liesbet van Zoonen
• 14:10 – 15:10: Lectures by:
• (1) Yin Yin Wong is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working across a range of media including film, sculpture, drawing and site specific installation.
• (2) Quincy Gario is a PhD researcher, artist, poet and activist currently working on a research project on colonial heritage in Dutch-Caribbean context.
• (3) Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano is an artist, writer and educator whose work explores water ecologies and their relations with technical, historical, and mythological infrastructures.
• Followed by a Q&A
• Break
• 15:30 – 16:30: Break out sessions
• 16:30 – 16:45: Feedback and summary break out sessions
• 16:45 Drinks

Please, RSVP by Sunday, June 9th 2024 to confirm your attendance via this LINK.

If you have already registered, no further action is needed.

You are encouraged to share this invitation with other interested parties inside and outside your organisation.

For additional information, please email us at Caradt@avans.nl.

UAS PD Arts + Creative is a joint effort by Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of the Arts, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Codarts Rotterdam, Design Academy Eindhoven, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, University of the Arts The Hague, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

On June 23, 2023, Natalie Loveless delivered this keynote speech at the second Symposium of Arts + Creative PD domain held at Utrecht University of the Arts.

Martje van Ankeren, Debbie Straver and Liesbet van Zoonen published an article on the potential power of arts and design in transitions. The article can be downloaded here and is part of the Boekman edition (#134) on art education which can be bought here.

The Second Symposium of the Arts + Creative PD domain was held on June 23, 2023, at the Utrecht University of the Arts. The event was a showcase of artistic research and brought together professors, policymakers, artists, researchers, and creative enthusiasts from fifteen universities of applied sciences. The symposium was highly anticipated and created an electric atmosphere, fostering engaging discussions, enlightening presentations by the first eight PD candidates within the domain, and captivating panel sessions. The event started with a keynote by Natalie Loveless after a warm welcome by Heleen Jumelet, President of the Executive Board of the University of the Arts, Utrecht. 

Keynote Presentation by Natalie Loveless

The symposium began with an exciting keynote address by Natalie Loveless. Against the backdrop of HKU’s creative ambience, Loveless delivered a thought-provoking talk titled “Research-Creation as Daily Practice.” Attendees were enthralled as Loveless explored the intricate relationship between research and artistic creation, offering insights into how artists incorporate research methodologies into their daily creative practices. The keynote was followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with Loveless and delve deeper into the subject matter.

Presentation of the PD Research Projects

The symposium provided a platform for presenting the first eight PD (Professional Doctorate) research projects. As each presenter shared their unique research, attendees were treated to a variety of artistic research, demonstrating its diversity and multidisciplinary nature.

Break

During the break, participants connected with fellow attendees, exchanged ideas, and expanded their networks.

Panel Discussion on Quality Dimensions and Requirements of Artistic Research

Resuming the symposium, an panel discussion led by Liesbet van Zoonen took place, with Jeroen Boomgaard, Laura Cull Ó Maoilearca and Natalie Loveless. They discussed how official quality criteria and requirements of the PD can be articulated with the particular critical and interrogative attitude of artists and designers.  This formed the kick off for ongoing discussions among candidates, their supervisors and the wider field about worldclass artistic and design research.

Conclusion

The symposium turned out as a huge celebration of the PD Arts + Creative. Attendees went home with joy and inspirations, fresh insights and new connections. The symposium’s success highlighted the need and urgency for a doctoral level research program within the arts and creativity domain.

Eight artists and designers have started their research in the Professional Doctorate Programme Arts + Creative. They are among the first participants in the pilot project initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with the universities of applied sciences. This endeavour explores the necessity and feasibility of establishing an equivalent doctoral programme in the field. The Arts + Creative PD Programme encompasses all art and design disciplines, primarily fostering innovation within one’s respective field through rigorous research. Additionally, it aims to facilitate the renewal and improvement of practices in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, or nature and the environment, through artistic or design interventions. The PD candidates will conduct artistic or design research for four years. This initial round has the following candidates.

S†ëfan Schäfer, Amsterdam University of the Arts

Breaking Apart Together: Performing Speculative Design with Dying Mountains and Glaciers.

Considering the escalating mortality of glaciers and mountains in the Alps and Iceland, how can speculative design help humans and non-humans to confront and respond to these tragic losses? Is it conceivable for mountains and glaciers to become equal participants in climate crisis design processes? How does the displacement and demise of mountains and glaciers affect people emotionally when grappling with (future) ecological grief? By broadening the scope of mourning, what implications will the (future) demise of mountains and glaciers have on nearby non-human entities? Which non-humans mourn the (future) deceased, and what forms does this take?

Chinouk Filique de Miranda, ArtEZ University of the Arts

Digitised Practices in the Margins; Reimagining Fashion’s Virtual Interface.

Fashion and digital culture are inextricably linked. Digital media has revolutionised how we engage with fashion and offers us a virtual realm to shape our online identities. In this research, Chinouk Filique de Miranda delves into the intersection of fashion and virtual reality, examining its repercussions on our digital agency. The study focuses on identity in the digital age and the extent to which individuals can construct different forms of subjectivity. The objective is to contribute to broader advancements in an increasingly global and digital society, such as new forms of consumerism, capital, and cultural value.

Risk Hazekamp, Avans University of Applied Sciences

Unlearning Photography: Listening to Cyanobacteria.

Toxicity and analogue photography share more than just chemical production processes; they are also entwined in creating dominant socio-political power structures that define and categorise. In response to this toxic history, Risk Hazekamp investigates alternative photographic methods to view the world without a camera. These methods involve non-chemical production processes and adopt a non-human perspective. Hazekamp proposes a fresh approach to photography, wherein the photographer relinquishes control over the image and instead fosters the conditions for photographic images to emerge. The ultimate objective is to establish a ‘living micro-organic photographic process’ that continually converts carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.

Read more about this project by Risk Hazekamp on the website of Caradt

Emily Huurdeman, Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Essaying as Collective Performative Practice.

At its core, essaying involves approaching a subject through critical, personal, artistic, and theoretical perspectives. The essay encompasses many artistic forms beyond the written essay. This research centres on the essay (essaying) as an interdisciplinary, performative, and collective process, enabling the interaction of diverse artistic practices and knowledge perspectives. The goal is to collaboratively generate and exchange essay iterations and critical reflection. Through essaying a topic, students and artistic researchers can experiment performatively, exploring the interaction of their theoretical research and artistic practice.

Agustín Martínez Caram, Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Lifestyle and Digital Sovereignty. A New Media Arts Approach to Collective Technological Empowerment for Holistic Care.

This artistic research aims to promote healthy lifestyle habits through new media art interventions. By incorporating technological processes, the study interrogates the potential of artistic research to enhance digital literacy and empower participants in managing their lifestyle habits using AI. Field research takes the form of AT-LABS, which serve as artistic spaces that facilitate interdisciplinary research into community building, digital literacy, and performative practices. Collaboration takes place with the Consortium Healthy Living as a Service, while guidance comes from various professionals in the fields of research and art and design.

Philippine Hoegen, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht

PERFORMING WORKING.

The ‘problem with work’ lies in its ability to exhaust us. Furthermore, flexible work arrangements have become pervasive. At the same time, many individuals are either not allowed or unable to work, and significant forms of work often remain unnoticed. Typically, we examine these issues from medical, social, or legal perspectives. However, artistic research offers an alternative approach by prioritising the body, doing, and experiential knowledge. This research aims to better comprehend what does and doesn’t constitute work. For instance, it explores the – often invisible – work performed by patients in a hospital setting and looks into the reasons behind labelling certain activities as work while disregarding others. Performing Working aims to enhance our understanding of the role of work in our lives.

Nadja van der Weide, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

The art of the mediated dialogue –  Exploring the Role of Ownership, Technology, and Participation in Facilitating Dialogue within Local Communities.

Participatory methods are increasingly recognised as effective approaches for examining social, technical, and political challenges within society. Art, design, and digital media have emerged as powerful tools for cultivating positive stakeholder relationships and generating fresh perspectives on shared (public) spaces. Mediated dialogues are one such method, facilitating important conversations to shape our future and embrace diversity. This research, led by Nadja van der Weide, focuses on the optimisation and implementation of mediated dialogues, utilising digital technology to facilitate these interactions.

Read more about this project by Nadja van der Weide on the website of the University of Applied Sciences of Amsterdam

reinaart vanhoe, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Learning from ruangrupa & documenta fifteen.

This PD research investigates the concept of collectivity in art, taking inspiration from the Indonesian multidisciplinary art collective ruangrupa and its utilisation of the international art exhibition ‘documenta’ as a working tool. The practices of ruangrupa serve as both an exercise and a starting point to address inquiries regarding forms of self-organisation within and beyond the realm of art. This investigation explores how contemporary art can transcend established Western paradigms of museums, galleries, and curatorial practices and what insights we can glean from integrating art into everyday life practices.

Currently, 15 universities of applied science are participating in the Professional Doctorate Arts + Creative programme, and they will recommend 34 candidates. The participating Universities of Applied Sciences are Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of the Arts, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Codarts Rotterdam, Design Academy Eindhoven, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, University of the Arts The Hague, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

Taskforce for Applied Research (Regieorgaan SIA) is a partner of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen) in the implementation of the pilot, and its specific task is to stimulate the research quality of the PD tracks. One way the Regieorgaan does this is by funding PD candidates. The pilot started in February 2023 and should be completed in 2029.

We are delighted to invite you to the second symposium of the Professional Doctorate Programme of the Arts + Creative domain, which will take place in Utrecht on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the HKU, Locatie IBB-laan, Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan 50, 3582 VA Utrecht.

You are welcome to join us for lunch at 12:00, and at 13:00, the symposium will start, where we will inspire, inform and discuss together with our PD candidates and their supervisors.

PROGRAMME:

• 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch and walk-in for the symposium
• 13:00 – 14:00: Keynote by Natalie Loveless, “Research-Creation as Daily-Practice by Natalie Loveless”, followed by Q&A
• 14:00 – 15:30: Presentation of the eight PD research projects
• Break
• 16:00 – 16:45: Panel discussion about the quality dimensions and requirements of artistic research.
• 16:45: Drinks

Please reserve the date and register as soon as possible using this LINK. For additional information, please email us at Caradt@avans.nl.

UAS PD Arts + Creative is a joint effort by

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of the Arts, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Codarts Rotterdam, Design Academy Eindhoven , Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, University of the Arts The Hague, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

The Shut-Up-and-Write sessions that the taskforce organized in September and October to help PD-candidates prepare their research proposal are now finished. About 20 candidates came together bi-weekly for a whole day of writing and peer discussion. For each of the five sessions three professors from the Graduate Committee joined the group to give feedback on individual ideas and writings.

Both candidates and professors said that they liked the process immensely and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss their work with peers. Community building has been an important outcome of the pre-PD programme. The Taskforce will evaluate the program on the basis of participant and professor feedback and adjust (if necessary) the next run of the programme accordingly.

The candidates will submit their proposal to the assessment committees of their respective schools, who will select a candidate for nomination to the Graduate Committee in early December. The Graduate Committee will assess the proposals before January 1.

For privacy reasons we blurred the faces of the participants.

On Wednesday 6 July 2022, the Taskforce and the Board of the PD pilot in Art and Creative sector organized an event for all involved in the pilot PD. The aim of the meeting was to have a substantive discussion on artistic and design research in PD, and to discuss a number of practical matters for the start of the pilot. Location: Reinwardt AHK in Amsterdam.

The kick-off meeting was opened with the installation of the graduate committee; 15 professors from the participating Universities of Applied Sciences who jointly monitor the quality of the PD projects. At the start of their installation meeting, they were addressed by members of the administrative working group for PD; Bert Verveld and René Bosma (blue jacket). Bert opened the meeting festively by cutting the PD cake.

The PD taskforce has compiled the programme of the event and hosted various sessions. From left tot right; Anke Coumans, Liesbet van Zoonen (chair) and Michel van Dartel.

Chris Salter is an artist and professor at Concordia University Montreal and at Zurich University of the Arts. He explores the borders between the senses, art, design and new technologies through large-scale installations as well as books, critical writings and lectures on the international scene. He has written extensively about Research-Creation in the Arts.

In his keynote at the kick-off event Chris extensively shared the 20 years of experience he has with similar research programmes in Canada.

The lecture slides can be found in the download section of this website.

A series of presentations about various PhD programmes in the Netherlands were given by Sabine Niederer (ARIAS), Jeroen Boomgaard (Rietveld), Sara Strandvad (GRASP), Anke Hartmann (PhDArts), Christoph Rausch (MERIAN), Joost Vanmaele (docArtes) and Nienke Scholts (THIRD).

Frank van der Zwan (kwartiermaker PD for Vereniging Hogescholen/VH) presented the steps taken until now by VH to make a PD possible in all domains of Universities of Applied Sciences. He also talked about steps to be taken to get the required legal status for the degree. Finally Frank was able to share some positive news about government funding for the PD.

Frank showed us the report VH published about the PD (left picture) and at the end taskforce representative Anke Coumans surprised Frank with the first copy of the printed programme report of the PD programme Kunst + Creatief

Frank’s slideshow can be found in the download section of this website.

The PD programme Kunst + Creatief is published on this website. A printed copy can be obtained by sending an email with your address to caradt@avans.nl

More information about the VH report >>>

• REPORT: University of Applied Sciences Professional Doctorate – A professional degree programme focusing on practice-based research
• RAPPORTAGE: University of Applied Sciences Professional Doctorate – Een beroepsopleiding waarin praktijkgericht onderzoek centraal staat

In one of the final sessions Bert Verveld interviewed representatives of different funding organizations about expected possibilities for PD funding. Lefthand picture from left to right: Marieke Ladru and Syb Groeneveld (Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie), Bart Ashmann (CLICKNL) and Johannes van der Vos (SIA).

All pictures of this event: Zoë Sluijs, Den Bosch

This draft description of the pre-PD programme is based on input gathered during a co-creation day with professors (lectoren) of the participating institutes (Universities of Applied Sciences, UAS) on April 21, 2022

Content
The pre-PD programme is organised to help potential candidates develop their PD proposals. It will be offered to the first group of potential candidates to enter the program during its pilot phase and consists of 5 sessions that will take place on 2, 16 and 30 September and on 14 and 28 October 2022. Potential PD candidates are nominated to participate in a pre-PD programme by the UAS. The program is structured around the main components of the PD proposal, as formulated in appendix 3 of the validated PD Programme description. The (quality of) resulting PD proposals may inform the UAS decisions to select or not select a candidate for the PD programme. The proposals of selected candidates are submitted to the Graduate Committee (GC) by the UAS for a procedural assessment of the PD Arts and Creative, together with the required Education and Supervision Plan(OBP, see Appendix 2 of the validated PD Programme description).

Location

Social Impact Factory, Vredenburg 40, 3511 BD Utrecht.
This concerns the Fridays 2 September, 30 September, 14 October en 28 October.

The location for Friday 16 September will also be in Utrecht, but at HKU, location Nieuwe Kade at a 10 minute walk from Utrecht CS. If you travel by car on 16 September, please let us know in advance to reserve parking space. Navigation code 3511 RV.

Pre-PD programme starting points are:

The sessions are structured around the first five sections of a PD proposal. During and after each session, all candidates draft the section of their proposal related to that session;
The remaining sections of the PD proposal, sections 6, 7, and 8, are written under the supervision of the candidate’s PD supervisors;
The programme is attentive to visual input and other ways of writing outside of academic writing;
The programme pays special attention to the development of a good research question; as well as
To research ethics and the difficulties that come with collaboration in complex research

Session format:
10.00: reception and warm up/team building

10.30: introduction to the objectives of the day plus a short pitch from the candidates 11.30: writing sprints including lunch (13.00-13.30)

13.30: discussion of writings in groups with Taskforce members and professors 14.30: writing sprints

15.30: discussion of writings in groups with Taskforce members and professors

16.30: closing (session ends at 17.00)

The pre-PD sessions

Session 1. What is the subject of the research? (September 2, 2022)

Describe the social, artistic or creative practice(s) in which the research positions itself and in which it intervenes. Pay attention to the so-called ‘question articulation’, i.e. how and

with whom the research question were developed and the intervention domain was determined. How familiar is the candidate with the context in which the research will take place and the research practice(s) themselves? Why does the candidate consider themself the right person to do the research? The answers to these questions should be supported with proof of previous work and activities.

Special points of interest for this session:

How is the research rooted in, or connected to the artistic or creative practice of the candidate? What are the personal ambitions of the candidate for this research? Why does the candidate want to conduct the research?

Envisioned outcomes: draft first section of the research proposal, including motivated research question(s)

Participating professor(s): to be discussed during GC-meeting on July 6, 2022.

Session 2. Why is the research needed? (September 16, 2022)

Indicate how the research contributes to arts and creative practices and make explicit what is currently lacking in this respect. If an intervention also takes place in a social practice outside of the arts, then also indicate why the intervention is needed in that practice. Support your arguments using sources such as academic literature, professional publications, documentaries, interviews, policy documents or other relevant material. Describe the research environment and the way in which relevant stakeholders will be involved in the research.

Special points of interest for this session:

Why should the research take place now? How are personal interest and societal urgency balanced in the proposal? What possible conflicts could occur between this interest and urgency? Which ethical issues could be encountered during, or could arise from the research?

Envisioned outcomes: draft version of the second part of the research proposal, including a mind map from the fields, disciplines and practices to which the research relates.

(Participating professor(s): to be discussed during GC-meeting on July 6, 2022)

Session 3. How is the research conducted? (September 30, 2022)

Which artistic, design and/or scientific method(s) will be used? What are the methodological and epistemological frameworks of the research? Why are these frameworks most relevant to and useful for the research question? How do they relate to the research environment? Does the candidate have sufficient experience in working within them? If not, which skills does the candidate still need to gain? Which challenges of research ethics and integrity could the choice of method(s) bring along?

Special points of interest for this session:

Is the research practice-oriented? How is this orientation supported by its methods? What is the added value of an artistic or creative approach as opposed to others? Which ethical implications could the proposed way of working have? Can theresearch question be answered within four years based on the proposed way of working?

Envisioned outcomes: draft third section of the research proposal, including a preliminary flow and time schedule.

(Participating professor(s): to be discussed during GC-meeting on July 6, 2022)

Session 4. What should be achieved through the research? (14 October, 2022)

Who or what benefits from the research? How does the research result in the intended changes to the practice(s) and domain(s) in which it intervenes? Which knowledge, insights, questions and changes may result from the research, and what is their relevance? Which artistic and creative groups, and social stakeholders are involved? How are the steps in, and results from the research communicated to these groups and stakeholders?

Special points of attention for this session:

What is the expected impact of the research on the candidate, the field, and society? Where does this impact follow naturally from the research and where does it need to be supported by dissemination activities? Which challenges of research ethics and integrity could arise as part of the envisioned dissemination process?

Envisioned outcomes: draft section 4 of the research proposal

(Participating professor(s): to be discussed during GC-meeting on July 6, 2022)

Session 5. How does the research shape the four roles of the PD candidate? (30 October, 2022)

Describe how and when the four roles – of innovator, professional, researcher and change agent- come back in the research. How are they distinctive and where do they overlap in the research? Motivate why the candidate will be able to fulfil these roles after completing the PD proposal.

Special points of interest for this session:

What do the four roles of a PD mean within artistic and design research? Could it be more productive to talk about ‘dimensions’ of the research instead? In addition, since this is the final sessions of the pre-PD programme, the session will pay attention to the coherence of the proposal as a whole. What remains to be done in order to complete the final proposal?

Envisioned outcomes: Complete draft of the PD proposal.

(Participating professor(s): to be discussed during GC-meeting on July 6, 2022)

Professors and staff involved in the design of the PD-pilot for the universities of the applied sciences convened on June 23 to expand their work on shared quality criteria, governance and care for candidates. The PD Arts + Creative was well represented with Anke Coumans and Liesbet van Zoonen of the Taskforce, Henk Slager of the Committee Quality Control and Debbie Straver as coordinator of the platform Art = Research of the research groups of higher art education in the Netherlands. Try to find them in the picture!

On Wednesday 6 July 2022, the Taskforce and the Board of the PD pilot in Art and Creative sector are organising an event for all involved in the pilot PD. The aim of the meeting is to have a substantive discussion on artistic and design research in PD, and to discuss a number of practical matters for the start of the pilot. We cordially want to invite you for this event.

The meeting is intended for board members, policy advisors and professors of the participating institutions, for possible PD candidates, for the participants in the other PD pilots and for other interested parties. Location: Reinwardt AHK, Hortusplantsoen 2, Amsterdam.

Download the Programme Leaflet

If you want to participate and did not receive an email invitation, follow this LINK

Or email caradt@avans.nl for more information

You are encouraged to share this message with other interested parties inside and outside your organisation.

UAS PD Kunst + Creatief is a collaboration of HKU, Rietveld, AHK, HvA, KABK, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Codarts, Avans Hogeschool, BUas, Fontys, DAE, Zuyd, ArtEZ, Hanzehogeschool, InHolland

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science will start the legislative procedure for the 3rd cycle in UAS (HBO). The Minister is positive about the development of the PD phase. The legislative process will take two years until the actual statutory regulation, which must be adopted by parliament. Based on the progress of all the pilots and partly given this news, the General Assembly of the “Vereniging Hogescholen” decided to start the pilots on 1 January 2023.

The distribution of the total 34 available places for four years in the K+C pilot will be based on the principle of admitting slightly more candidates in the first two years and slightly fewer in the last two years of the pilot.

• 2023: 10 places to be allocated
• 2024: 10 places to be allocated
• 2025: 7 places to be allocated
• 2026: 7 places to be allocated

On April 22, the professors of the art and design school that participate in the PD programme ‘Kunst + Creatief’ came together to discuss and shape the key ingredients of the curriculum for the PD=candidates. In four sessions, they explored topics like the ethics of artistic research, diversity of degree work, different forms of writing and complex research environments. The meeting was the first of a longer series of co-creation events in which the professors and the taskforce will fill in the details of the PD program. Through the collaborative work, an ongoing conversation and community building around artistic and design research will take shape as well.

In 2023, universities of applied sciences (UAS) will start their own doctoral programme: the Professional Doctorate (PD). In doing so, UAS introduces a new professional education with which it wants to push back the boundaries in professional practice. Candidates will be trained to become highly qualified professionals who learn to intervene in complex issues such as energy transition or healthcare. This is stated in a plan that the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences has presented to former Minister Van Engelshoven of Education, Culture and Science in 2021. Maurice Limmen, chair of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences: “The professional doctorate is an investment in the connection between higher professional education and the labour market. It increases the impact of practice-based research and contributes to the further professionalisation of HBO lecturers.”

Source: Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen)

More information >>>

• REPORT: University of Applied Sciences Professional Doctorate – A professional degree programme focusing on practice-based research
• RAPPORTAGE: University of Applied Sciences Professional Doctorate – Een beroepsopleiding waarin praktijkgericht onderzoek centraal staat