About research

Research is conducted through artistic practice and reflection at an advanced level. It aims to generate new knowledge, insight, understanding and skills by addressing subjects and questions relevant to artistic practice, while also engaging with issues of broader cultural, social and economic significance. 

Like other forms of research, artistic research can be assessed against the five OECD criteria for research and development: that it is novel, creative and systematic; that its outcomes are uncertain in advance; and that the knowledge produced can be transferred or reproduced.

Research through artistic practice

Research through artistic practice means that artistic work is a central part of the research process. Research questions can be developed and investigated through, for example, artistic creation, experimentation, rehearsal, documentation, exposition and critical reflection. Research can deepen knowledge within a specific artistic discipline or develop through encounters between artistic practices and other research fields.

SKH’s research field

SKH’s research field of artistic practices encompasses, among other things:

• bodily and vocal practices

• media-based practices

• visual, acoustic, performative and spatial practices

• practices focusing on dramaturgy, composition, choreography and directing

How is research conducted?

Experimentation, artistic creation and reflection are central to the artistic research process. Research can take the form of performances, films, compositions, curatorial projects, publications, exhibitions and other artistic formats, often in combination with analytical and critical texts.

Research frequently addresses complex artistic, social and cultural questions. Aesthetic, ethical and political dimensions are closely intertwined, meaning that research not only generates new knowledge about artistic processes but also contributes to broader discussions about societal development.

A collaborative research environment

SKH’s research environment brings together researchers, doctoral students, artists, teachers and students. Research questions, methods and artistic processes are discussed and developed through research projects, seminars and conferences. Research may be conducted within a single artistic discipline or in collaboration across different artistic disciplines and other fields of knowledge.

Cross-disciplinary approaches make it possible to bring together different practices, experiences and forms of knowledge in research.

Documenting, presenting and sharing research

SKH works with various ways of documenting, presenting and publishing research. These include artistic works, performances, exhibitions, films, sound works, texts and digital expositions. By sharing research processes and results, SKH creates opportunities for dialogue within the university, across the research community and with wider society.

Artistic research can offer new perspectives on societal issues and create spaces for critical thinking, collective exploration and democratic dialogue.