FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Colloquium on Artistic Research in Performing Arts
Theatre Academy, Helsinki
19.-21.11.2009
Artistic research, art-based research, practice-based research, practice-led research, performance as
research – these are just some of the terms and approaches that have been developed to describe
knowledge production originating from artistic concerns. This colloquium is the first in a series of
biannual colloquia, organised by the Performing Arts Research Centre at the Theatre Academy of
Helsinki, aimed at addressing the problems and possibilities of artistic research, particularly those
involving the performing arts. The term ‘performing arts’ is here understood in a broad sense that
encompasses a variety of different creative practices. The purpose of these colloquia is to contribute
to the development of research practices in the field of the performing arts and to foster their social,
pedagogical and ecological connections. The question we wish to begin with is:
How does artistic research change us?
Artistic research does not only produce knowledge; it also changes us as individual and collective
beings – artists, pedagogues, spectators, citizens, consumers. In what ways can this kind of change
be the object of research? Could the change itself serve as a criterion for the relevance of the
research? We invite researchers to join the colloquium and to participate in the discussion by
sharing their experiences on the transformative dimensions of their artistic research practice.
The colloquium will be organised to take account of the special features of various artistic research
practices: research can realise itself in its own concrete set up; cooperative action and collective
reflection can function as a means of producing knowledge; the definition of the role and place of
the observers or participants in a situation can be an essential part of the research arrangements, etc.
The colloquium can also serve as the site of the research itself.
The colloquium will take place over three days. On Thursday, presenters will have the possibility to
hold day-long workshops for other colloquium participants and the doctoral students of the
Performing Arts Research Centre. Friday and Saturday are reserved for all kinds of presentations,
including the possible presentation of the workshops, and discussions.
Call for papers, presentations and workshops
We kindly encourage you to submit presentation, demonstration and workshop proposals on your
practice and your experience with artistic research related to the performing arts. Abstracts should
be no longer than 300 words and should include 50 words of biographical detail on the presenter.
We suggest that you outline the ideal format for your presentation (research arrangement,
workshop, installation, paper etc.) including length, venue and mode of participation. The language
of the colloquium is English.
Please send proposals via email to Research Coordinator Annika Fredriksson at
[log in to unmask] no later than 15.5.2009.
Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by 15.6.2009 and asked to confirm their
participation by 1.9.2009.
The Colloquium Venue:
The colloquium will be held at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki. The Academy is situated near the
centre of the city. It is well served with public transport from the airport and the main railway
station and is easily reached by metro, tram or bus. http://www.teak.fi/
Further Information:
For further information on the colloquium, please contact:
Professor Esa Kirkkopelto [log in to unmask] or
Professor Annette Arlander [log in to unmask]
The Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke), Theatre Academy, Helsinki
Teatterikorkeakoulu Teaterhögskolan Theatre Academy
Haapaniemenkatu 6, PL 163, FI-00531 Helsinki
tel. +358 (0)9 431 361, fax. +358 (0)9 4313 6200
Kind regards,
Annika
___________________
Annika Fredriksson
Tutkimuskoordinaattori/Forskningskoordinator/Research Coordinator
+358-400-792038
Teatterikorkeakoulu/Teaterhögskolan/Theatre Academy
Esittävien taiteiden tutkimuskeskus/Forskningscentrum för teater, dans och performance/Performing Arts Research Centre
Haapaniemenkatu 6, PL 163, 00531 Helsinki
http://www.teak.fi