Art Project Support

This research module focuses on the planning and resourcing of students’ art research proposals, with guidance on projects’ objectives and strategies. Each student is requested to present their project work through a self-directed program of guest artists, curators, writers, academic specialists and/or institutions facilitated by the student. Students can also get hands-on experience of exhibition-making and collaborate in publication projects by assisting on the production of the Audiovisual Arts Festival and on the research developed by the PEARL and InArts Laboratories.

The course follows a structured progression through weekly online mentoring meetings between student and assigned academic advisor, chosen based on faculty research alignment. This individual guidance is complemented by the Winter School participation, which offers the opportunity to develop intensive workshops and seminars in hybrid arts methodologies led by faculty and students. Students develop their research during the semester through the achievement of four basic milestones: a) finalizing of the research project proposal, b) delivering the ethics clearance forms for their research project proposal, c) developing a 60’ workshop for the Winter School, and d) preparing an academic poster based on their research project proposal developments. 

Upon the successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:
1. Develop comprehensive and well-structured art research proposals, demonstrating methodological rigor and critical engagement with foundational texts.
2. Prepare and submit research ethics clearance documents, applying ethical principles to the design and implementation of their projects.
3. Design and deliver a 60-minute workshop for the Winter School, fostering active learning and exchange in hybrid arts methodologies.
4. Apply principles of visual communication in the preparation of an academic poster, effectively presenting their research proposal developments.
5. Collaborate in interdisciplinary contexts, contributing to exhibition-making, publications, or academic/artistic events, and integrate critical perspectives into their research practice.

The course includes the following topics:
1. Research Proposal Development I – Guidance session (videoconference). Initial project mapping and aims.
2. Research Proposal Development II. Check-in (text-based). Literature review and methodology design.
3. Research Proposal Development III. Guidance session (videoconference). Drafting proposal and refining research questions.
4. Ethics Preparation – Check-in (text-based). Drafting and submitting ethics clearance forms.
5. Winter School Workshop I – Guidance session (videoconference). Workshop concept, structure, and learning goals.
6. Winter School Workshop II – Check-in (text-based). Designing activities and resources.
7. Winter School Workshop III – Guidance session (videoconference). Rehearsal, peer feedback, and adjustments.
8. Exhibition-Making (Optional Enhancement) – Check-in (text-based). Exploring collaborative exhibition or curatorial opportunities.
9. Collaborative Publication (Optional Enhancement) – Guidance session (videoconference). Exploring formats and contributions.
10. Poster Development I – Check-in (text-based). Drafting academic poster content and visuals.
11. Poster Development II – Guidance session (videoconference). Refining design and peer review.
12. Presentation Preparation – Check-in (text-based). Final rehearsal and reflection.
13. Final Symposium & Presentation – Evaluation session (videoconference). Student presentations of posters and reflective reports.

- Suggested bibliography:
Biggs, M., & Karlsson, H. (2010). The Routledge companion to research in the arts. In Routledge
eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203841327
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (1995). The craft of research. University of Chicago
Press.
Gilbert, A. (2016). Publishing as Artistic Practice. Sternberg Press.
Hughes, P. (2015). Exhibition design: An Introduction. Laurence King Publishing.
Laws, C. (2020). Performance, subjectivity, and experimentation. Leuven University Press.
Parker, P. (2018). The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Riverhead Books.
Punch, K. F. (2000). Developing effective research proposals. SAGE.
Reilly, M. (2018). Curatorial activism: Towards an Ethics of Curating.

- Related academic journals:
Journal of Artistic Research / Journal of Visual Art Practice / Technoetic Arts / Curating / Journal of
Curatorial Studies / Cultural Trends

Distance learning

Use of ICT in teaching, laboratory education, communication with students.

Research Proposal Development (finalized project proposal + ethics clearance forms): 35%
Evaluation based on clarity of research questions, methodological rigor, critical framework, and successful submission of ethics documentation.

Winter School Workshop (design and facilitation of a 60’ session): 25%
Evaluation of workshop concept, structure, learning objectives, and effectiveness of facilitation.

Academic Poster (visual communication of research proposal developments): 20%
Evaluation of clarity, visual design, and ability to synthesize complex ideas for academic/artistic audiences.

Collaborative Engagement (contributions to exhibition-making, publications, or symposium activities): 15%
Evaluation of teamwork, initiative, and quality of contribution to collective projects.

Presentation and Reflective Participation: 5%
Evaluation of final presentation, critical reflection on research process, and engagement in peer feedback.