Art, imagination and society
Within this theme, we explore how art, culture, and artistic research can contribute to shaping caring, just, and sustainable ways of living together. We focus on the role of cultural imagination, artistic practices, and sensory and affective experience in processes of meaning-making, care, democracy, social justice, and ecological connectedness. Art is understood here not merely as an instrument, but as a space in which alternative realities are rehearsed, embodied, and shared.
Art thus functions both as an object of research and as a research practice in its own right. Through artistic and academic research, we develop new forms of knowledge grounded in lived experience, materiality, and the power of imagination. Our work is often participatory and based on co-creation with stakeholders in care, (arts) education, communities, and social organisations, examining how artistic and cultural practices create space for voices and perspectives that are frequently marginalised.
Meaningful Artistic Research
Meaningful Artistic Research (MAR) is a key focus within this theme. MAR is a long-term collaboration between the University of Humanistic Studies and HKU University of the Arts Utrecht at the intersection of artistic and academic inquiry. Within this collaboration, it is possible to pursue a PhD in the UvH Graduate School based on artistic research, in which creative making processes and academic research are interwoven, each deepening the other. In addition, MAR is committed to educational innovation, publications, and the organisation of public events, exhibitions, and other encounters that contribute to a broad and vibrant knowledge community.