Artistic Research: Assemblages of Methodologies, Epistemologies, and the Arts

The PhD in Practice program Artistic Research: Assemblages of Epistemology, Methodology And The Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is a structured postgraduate degree program that combines scholarly and artistic research. The PhD in Practice program produces research at the intersection of epistemology, methodology and the arts. As one of its key tasks, the program has searched for assemblages that contain epistemological premises, methodological strategies and artistic practices within one consistent and coherent concept. In a variety of different formats (text, video, installation, performance and public event) the program proposes a research agenda to explore and extend selected assemblages (e.g. opacity, chronopolitics, dispossession) further, contributing to an understanding of research as a means to produce different knowledge and to produce knowledge differently. The faculty is headed by the two program leaders, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Anette Baldauf and Univ.-Prof. MMag. Renate Lorenz, both key contributors to the field of artistic research: Lorenz as a visual artist with an international exhibition portfolio, and Baldauf as an art theorist and social science researcher. The other three faculty members, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ruth Sonderegger, Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dorit Margreiter and Ao.Univ.-Prof.Doz.Mag.Dr. Felicitas Thun-Hohenstein, complement the research qualifications of the faculty from the fields of aesthetics/philosophy (Sonderegger), video art/video installation (Margreiter) and art history/curating (Thun-Hohenstein). Thus the faculty ensures the comprehensiveness of the program in terms of disciplines covered, and, as the members share a long collaborative working history, a committed cooperation. All five are experienced, trained mentors. The PhD in Practice has a very competitive admission procedure, in which the candidates from all over the world have to pass a two-step admission process. The core subject of this program is the specific productivity of artistic processes and strategies as research, as well as the participants critical reflection on their own artistic practice, which can be both the method and subject matter of artistic research. The program offers regular workshops for PhD candidates to expand, deepen and improve their existing competencies. These workshops are geared to the specific conditions of doctoral studies at art universities and enable the PhD candidates to acquire key academic competencies as well as transferrable skills for the optimal advancement and qualification of young arts-based researchers. The uniqueness of the program results from a number of factors. The program addresses artists as well as other cultural producers engaging in arts-based research. The programs residency scheme, which is characterized by the obligatory attendance of all PhD researchers and faculty members during the monthly focus weeks, enables an in-depth engagement in the program`s structure. Finally, in contrast to non-structured doctoral programs, the PhD in Practice gives the PhD researchers the opportunity to form a sustainable networking structure within their own peer group.

Summary: The program's most significant impact lies in its pioneering approach to artistic research, challenging traditional boundaries between disciplines. By fostering an inclusive environment for global participants, the PhD in Practice contributes to the evolution of research methodologies in the arts. The practical applications extend beyond academia, potentially influencing social, cultural, and artistic practices. Led by Prof. Anette Baldauf and Prof. Renate Lorenz, our exploration of the intersection between art, scholarship, and methodology has not only reshaped our understanding of research but also opened new avenues for creative expression and knowledge production. Key Advances: The project began with the identification and examination of unique assemblages, bringing together the realms of epistemology, methodology, and the arts. Through various mediums such as text, video, installations, performances, and public events, we studied complexities within concepts like opacity, chronopolitics, and dispossession. The richness of these assemblages has allowed us to challenge preconceived notions and foster new forms of interdisciplinary research. Faculty Collaboration: The collaborative synergy among our faculty, spanning art theory, social sciences, aesthetics/philosophy, video art/installation, and art history/curating, has been instrumental. This collective expertise ensured a comprehensive exploration of artistic research, fostering an environment where innovative ideas flourish. The commitment to mentorship has further empowered our participants to navigate the evolving landscape of arts-based research. Global Perspectives: Through a competitive admission process, our program has attracted artistic researchers from around the world. The emphasis on the unique productivity of artistic processes as research has not only enriched the program but has also initiated a global dialogue on the transformative power of artistic inquiry. Participants engage in critical self-reflection, positioning their artistic practice as both a method and subject matter of research. Innovative Structure and Impact: Our intense training program, marked by mandatory monthly focus weeks, has provided an interdisciplinary research environment, enhancing participants' academic and artistic output. This structured approach, in contrast to non-structured programs, has facilitated the formation of sustainable networks within peer groups. The impact of our program extends beyond academia, influencing social, cultural, and artistic practices. By challenging conventional research methodologies, we aim to shape new approaches for the future of arts-based research. Future Implications: Looking ahead, our project strengthens a paradigm shift in the approach of research in the arts. The potential applications of our findings extend into diverse realms, from influencing cultural practices to changing the perspective on teaching and practicing art in an international context. By fostering a global community of artists and cultural producers, we aspire to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic landscape of knowledge creation and artistic expression.