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Meaningful Artistic Research: collaboration UvH and HKU

The University of Humanistic Studies and the Utrecht School of the Arts are joining forces in the field of art and science. Their collaboration is called Meaningful Artistic Research (MAR): meaningful artistic research as a connecting factor.

Over Meaningful Artistic Research

Meaningful Artistic Research (MAR) consolidates a long-term collaboration between the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) and the University of Humanistic Studies (UvH) in the field of art and science. The collaboration makes it possible to obtain a PhD in artistic research within the UvH’s Graduate School. In addition, MAR is involved in educational innovation, fundraising, publications, and organising meetings and conferences. Our goal is to share knowledge and creativity and to grow into a broad and vibrant platform for researchers, scientists, artists, designers, curators, makers, students, teachers, study advisors and anyone interested in the field.

The core of MAR is conducting artistic research, based on the understanding that art generates unique forms of knowledge that are important for a meaningful, humane society. We want to create and interpret meaningful experiences in a society and at a time when caring for each other and the world around us is becoming increasingly urgent.

Within MAR, we explore questions such as: What is knowledge and how is it generated, through making research and researching making? What does the encounter between art and humanities contribute to our understanding of humanity? How does this encounter contribute to a dignified and meaningful relationship with each other and with the world around us?

Research prospects

Research at the HKU focuses on creative processes. There is room for experimentation, for practical and empirical methodologies, and for a working method in which the researchers themselves, as creators, are part of the research. The HKU’s guiding principles are care and well-being, identity and inclusion, circularity and sustainability. At the UvH, research focuses on urgent and topical issues in our society. The overarching themes are humanism, meaningful life, and a just and caring society. Philosophical, social and humanities approaches are combined here.

MAR brings both perspectives together. Research in, on and through creative processes stimulates new ways of thinking about norms and values in society. At the same time, diverse research approaches provide depth and context to artistic practices and vice versa.

PhD programmes

The collaboration offers the opportunity to carry out a PhD programme involving artistic research. The creative process is recognised as a valid research method, and the artistic work counts towards the assessment. The artistic practice is therefore not merely illustrative, but forms an integral part of the research process.

Several PhD programmes are currently underway:

  • Marloeke van der Vlugt

    Marloeke van der Vlugt investigates the importance of the sense of touch. Her PhD research into touchability in and through art starts with her own artistic practice, in which she explores a tactile creative process using sculptural, unpredictable materials and techniques. She then shares the resulting artefacts, such as polyurethane balls with their mysterious contents of naturally coloured plaster, with the public in interactive performances. At a time when touch is associated with risk and taboo, Marloeke seeks ways to activate tactile sensations.

  • Simona Kicurovska

    Simona Kicurovska investigates how digital automation technologies, such as algorithms and AI, are transforming the field of graphic design. She questions what designers can do and what cannot be programmed in digital design systems. Her research focuses on “designer ways of knowledge”, which contribute to socially responsible engagement in times of automated, algorithmic design.

  • Marielle Schuurman

    Marielle Schuurman investigates Co-creative Artistic Research Ecologies, which are part of the Creating Cultures of Care programme. In CARE labs, artists and designers work together with residents, clients, professionals, policymakers, students and researchers on questions such as “what does it mean to live with dementia?” or ‘what can music mean for nurses, patients and their loved ones after major surgery? These artistic practices have a significant impact not only on an individual level, but also on the relationships between all those involved. How do new concepts and practices of care and art emerge here?

Want to stay informed about MAR?

Project coordination:

Marieke Folkers, marieke.folkers@hku.nl

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