Ensemble Ictus, Brussels, 4-6 May 2026 – SIMM research seminar #12 on the role of composers in social and community music projects:

In 2026 the 12th SIMM-seminar will be organised in Brussels at the contemporary music Ensemble Ictus and will welcome up to maximum 20 scholars interested in exchanging experiences, ideas and research findings on the role of music composition in social and community music projects and programmes (4-6 May 2026).  
The seminar is planned to take place from 4 to 6 May 2026 at the Ensemble Ictus in Brussels.
This research-seminar will welcome a small group of post-graduate students, early-career researchers as well as experienced researchers – who are all involved in ongoing research on the possible role of composers and music composition in social and community music programmes – to spend a 3-day seminar during which they will share their research experiences with each other.

The following facilitators will help the sharing of experiences and ideas and research methodologies: An De bisschop (chair holder Chair Jonet) and Paul Craenen (composer and researcher) and Lukas Pairon (SIMM & Chair Jonet).

The scientific committee is composed of: Brydie-Leigh Bartleet (president SIMM), Paul Craenen, An De bisschop, Chrissy Dimitriou (musician and researcher), Luc Nijs (Chair Jonet & University of Luxemburg) Lukas Pairon, Filip Verneert (Chair Jonet).

Call for participants:

Expressions of interest should be sent no later than 15 January 2026 by email to Lukas Pairon (lukas.pairon@simm-platform.eu).

This should include your name, institutional affiliation, current professional role(s), a maximum 200-word statement including relevant professional experience and background, why you wish to participate in this research seminar, and what your interest and experience is in research on the role of music composition in social and community music projects.

The selection of those welcomed to be part of this seminar will be communicated the latest before 30th January 2026.

There will be no registration fee, but those selected for this seminar will need to cover their travel costs, meals and accommodation in Brussels.