Social Art(s) Practice Research Seminar: A Two-Day Research Exchange

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

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.

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

The seminar is jointly organised by:

• The international scholarly network SIMM (Social Impact of Music-Making), based in Brussels, Belgium
• The Academic Chair Jonet on Social Action & Music-Making, Ghent University and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Ghent, Belgium
• The Guildhall De-Centre for Socially Engaged Practice and Research, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London

This marks SIMM’s 11th seminar since 2015. While previous events focused 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), Dr Brigitte Herremans (Human Rights Centre, Ghent University, BE), Dr. Sophie Hope (Guildhall School), 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:

• Prof. Brydie-Leigh Bartleet, Griffith University, Australia
• Prof. An De bisschop, Ghent University, Belgium
• Prof. Sean Gregory, Guildhall School of Music & Drama London
• Dr. Brigitte Herremans, Human Rights Centre of Ghent University, Belgium
• Dr. Sophie Hope, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London
• Prof. Luc Nijs, University of Luxembourg
• Prof. Lukas Pairon, founder of SiMM,
• Dr. Anthony Schrag, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
• Prof. Becky Shaw, Birmingham City University, Birmingham

Deadline: April 15, 2025

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 8-9, 2025)

Selection notifications will be sent by May 31, 2025.