Social Art(s) Practice Research Seminar

A Two-Day Research Exchange

Dates: September 7-8, 2026
Location: Dpt. of Education and Social Work, University of Luxemburg, Luxemburg

Overview

This intensive two-day seminar brings together socially engaged practice-researchers from diverse arts disciplines, including music, theatre, performance, music theatre, opera, dance, visual arts, curating, circus, and design. The event creates a unique space for researchers working across different participatory, social, and community contexts to share experiences and methodologies.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from socially engaged arts practice-researchers – defined as researchers who explore questions and topics through collaborative, socially engaged, and participatory practices. The seminar is open to:

  • PhD students and graduates
  • Independent researchers
  • Early career researchers
  • Experienced researchers

Format & Participation

The seminar will host up to 30 participants. While there is no registration fee, participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal costs.

Key Research Questions

During the seminar, we will explore:

  • The role of specific crafts/disciplines in socially engaged research
  • Definitions and terminology in socially engaged/participatory arts research
  • Stakeholder involvement in the research process
  • Challenges in practice-based research
  • Research methodologies and methods
  • Contexts and roles within participatory research
  • Ethical considerations
  • Methods of analysis
  • Relevant approaches to dissemination

Organisers

The seminar is jointly organised by:

  • The Musicology and Arts Department, Department of Education and Social Work, University of Luxembourg
  • The Academic Chair Jonet on Social Action & Music-Making, Ghent University and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Ghent, Belgium
  • The international scholarly network SIMM (Social Impact of Music-Making), based in Brussels, Belgium

This marks SIMM’s 13th seminar since 2015, and the 2nd edition of a research seminar focussing on different artistic disciplines active within participatory art projects. While events initiated by SIMM mostly focus primarily on music, this seminar expands to encompass multiple art forms, fostering cross-disciplinary learning and exchange.

The facilitators of the seminar will be Prof. Dr. An De bisschop (Chair Jonet, Ghent University, BE), Prof. Sean Gregory (Guildhall School), Prof. Luc Nijs (Institute for Musicology and the Arts, University of Luxembourg & Chair Jonet, Ghent), and Prof. Dr. Lukas Pairon (SIMM & Chair Jonet). As facilitators they will during this research seminar help the participants in sharing their experiences and ideas and research methodologies.

The scientific committee for this seminar is composed of:

Application Process

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Please send your expression of interest to:
Lukas Pairon (lukas.pairon@simm-platform.eu)

Include the following information:

  1. Full name
  2. Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
  3. Current professional role(s)
  4. Primary arts discipline(s)
  5. Current project description (250 words max) with relevant weblinks
  6. Motivation for participation (50 words)
  7. One main question/topic you wish to discuss
  8. Confirmation of availability for both full days (September 7-8, 2025)

Selection notifications will be sent the latest by May 31, 2026.