The KinderKunstLabor is a learning institution. Experiences and insights from educational processes are applied to the realm of education and curating in a certification center developed specifically for this purpose in cooperation with a university network. This is achieved with the Researcher in Residency through an examination of current discourses and practices that are focused on phenomenological approaches, spatial aspects in art production, curating and art education for and with children. Closely intertwined with this, fellows will conceive and implement qualitatively based research projects that accompany ongoing projects of the KinderKunstLabor.
Background and Aims
The art system characterizes contemporary art more as an accumulation of knowledge and symbolic capital than as a resource for educational processes or the personal or group experiences of young audiences. Nevertheless, uncharacteristic perspectives can be gleaned from interactive and performative art education situations. Innovative and artistic approaches make it possible to tap into this potential for art education. Few studies have examined the extent to which more experimental education processes are capable of initiating new perspectives and insights in and with young audiences. Accordingly, the aim of the Researcher-inResidency (RiR) program is to more closely integrate practice and theory. Sustainable accompanying research allows findings to flow into practice. The RiR program enables fellows to develop and carry out a research-based project in collaboration with the KinderKunstLabor team.
Possible activities and formats include the analysis, archiving, and documentation of artistic projects and exhibitions; empirical-qualitative research, e.g. in connection with artistic-research approaches; conferences, online, and print publications; workshops and certifications. New educational methods for and with young audiences could be used by museums and galleries and educational institutions in the future to revitalize children’s experiences with art and culture in new ways. With our experience-oriented, research-based methodology, we are laying a foundation for the simultaneous development of art and cultural educational aspects.
Who is the OPEN CALL for?
The fellowship offers researchers from the EU active in the fields of contemporary art, curating and art education the opportunity to live and work in St. Pölten for a period of nine months with possible extension. We would like to specifically emphasize that—in addition to those working and conducting research in the field of education—we are also inviting researchers engaged in diverse artistic and theoretical practices to apply. Artistic expertise or experience with aesthetic processes and in-depth knowledge of the art field are a prerequisite. A sound command of the German language is also essential, since this is relevant for understanding children in their language and how they express themselves in the context of participant observation. The fellowship is also aimed at students pursuing a doctorate or PhD. Priority will be given to research proposals developed in relation to and in dialogue with the specific, on-the-ground realities of the location. Fellows will have access to institutional infrastructures and are expected to present their findings at an event at the end of their stay.
What does the location offer?
The location offers fellows access to site-specific resources during their nine-month stay (with possible extension) and they can play a role in shaping a new and unique art institution. There are also opportunities to present talks and teach courses at academies and universities in our network. The Researcher in Residency is supervised by the artistic-academic directorship of the KinderKunstLabor in cooperation with the academic institutions of our network.
What costs does the residency cover?
The residency includes travel, accommodation, a stipend, and production costs (for relevant research, printing, or similar expenses). Further information is available on request.
How can I apply?
The application must include the following:
- Your contact information (name, address, email, phone number, website)
- Letter of motivation outlining your reasons for applying (max. 1 page)
- Short informative CV (max. 1 page)
- Compilation of previous research and projects (max. 10 MB)
- Draft research concept (max. 2 pages)
Please note: Accepted candidates are required to make use of the full duration of the residency during its specified period of time. The dates are: March 1 to November 30, 2023 (with possible extension).
Only applications submitted in German or English via e-mail by December 31, 2022 will be accepted. Please send your application in PDF format with the subject heading “Mittlung neu denken” to: residencies@kinderkunstlabor.at
Inquiries to: mona.jas@kinderkunstlabor.at
Selected participants will be notified by January 31, 2023 at the latest. The selection committee consists of representatives from the KinderKunstLabor as well as educators and researchers from academic institutions cooperating with the KinderKunstLabor.
