Art Project Research Articles

Musical Festival as a Modern Art Project

Studying the organization of music festivals is not just an immersion into the world of music, but a comprehensive approach that provides valuable knowledge and skills applicable in different areas of life. Organizing a festival is a large-scale project that requires the ability to plan, coordinate, manage resources (financial, human, technical) and risks. Organizing a festival involves attracting an audience, creating brand awareness of the festival, managing advertising - these are tasks that require deep knowledge of marketing tools. Interaction with artists, volunteers, technical staff, sponsors, media - this is the art of communication, diplomacy, conflict management. Studying the organization of festivals allows to immerse in the real world of event management, feel the dynamics of work in conditions of tight deadlines and increased responsibility. All these factors make the study of the organization of festivals relevant and timely. The goal of the study is theoretically substantiated and develop the project of a festival as a modern art project. In connection with the goal, the following tasks were identifying: 1) to consider the features of art management in the art of music; 2) to identify the essence of the festival, analyze its main characteristics; 3) to highlight the main stages and study the technological features of the implementation of music festivals; 4) to describe the experience in organizing international music festivals; 5) to develop an original project for a festival. The object is festivals of musical art. The subject is organizational and technological aspects of the implementation of music festivals as modern art projects. The scientific work is based on the scientific work is based on cultural, activity-based and systemic approaches. In the process of selecting methodological tools for empirical research, methods of non-participant observation, modeling, analysis, synthesis, and structural-functional method were used. On the basis of systematically elaborating the meaning, professional connotation, and domestic and international development of art project, we will further elaborate the importance of the discipline of arts management in the development of the country as well as in the field of culture and arts according to the needs of the development of the times. Music festivals have been developed in China for nearly 20 years, but Chinese academics have paid little attention to music festivals, and the literature related to music festivals is still minimal, especially in the context of art project, which lacks corresponding theoretical support. This study not only expands the boundaries of art management theory, but also deepens the theory to a certain extent. The thesis consists of an introduction, an abstract, a main part consisting of two chapters, a conclusion, a bibliography, an appendix. The total volume of the thesis is 81 pages, of which 68 pages are occupied by the main text, a list of bibliographic sources (70 units) and appendix.

Exploring Community Art Projects for Mental Health Awareness

Community art projects have gained prominence as innovative tools for promoting mental health awareness. These projects offer participants an opportunity to express their personal experiences with mental health through creative mediums such as visual arts, music, and performance. This paper examines how community art initiatives foster emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and build social cohesion. By involving people with lived experiences of mental illness at various stages of the creative process, these projects not only provide therapeutic benefits but also empower participants. Through case studies of successful initiatives, such as viva albert in new zealand, this study highlights best practices for designing inclusive, impactful, and ethical community art projects that elevate public discussions on mental health. Keywords: community art, mental health awareness, art therapy, social cohesion, stigma reduction.

Volunteer Voices: building volunteer agency in the field of contemporary art in heritage

ABSTRACT Volunteers are a key but underexploited resource in advocating for and interpreting the contemporary artworks that are increasingly being commissioned for heritage places. Volunteers are not typically offered any training to help them talk about contemporary artworks with visitors or provided with much background information about the art or artists concerned. Nor is the organisation’s rationale for engaging with contemporary art well-understood by volunteers. While heritage organisations rely heavily on volunteers to provide high quality experiences for their visitors, in failing to adequately prepare volunteers, the full value of investment in a contemporary art project – time, money, organisational input, the creative energy of the artist – might not be properly realised. In this article, which draws on findings from a pilot volunteer training programme conducted in North East England in 2021–2022, we develop existing research into ‘serious leisure’ to suggest the value of building a community of practice through peer-learning that can offer a distinctive experience for volunteers, enhancing both their ownership and agency. We argue for the benefits of knowledge exchange across heritage sites and suggest that volunteers could be at the forefront in improving commissioning and exhibiting practices and visitor appreciation of contemporary art in heritage places.

The challenges of navigating participatory research: the perspective of a doctoral student who co-ordinates a team of researchers with lived experience of mental health challenges

ABSTRACT Participatory research (PR) involves people with lived experiences of the research topic as co-creators of knowledge. I have the dual role of being both a doctoral researcher and the co-ordinator of a research group – the Converge Evaluation and Research Team (CERT) – which consists of researchers with lived experience of mental health challenges. I am using evaluation projects conducted by CERT to offer insightful case studies for my doctoral research, in which I am exploring coproduction in mental health research. I use learning from my doctoral research to explore how CERT can maximise opportunities for coproduction. Using a CERT evaluation of an arts project for adults with severe and enduring mental health challenges as an exemplar, this article considers my reflections on the challenges of PR as a doctoral researcher elucidated by Southby (2017): power and sharing control; adhering to the standards and procedures of an individualistic academy; inexperience and fear of failure; competing priorities; and time and effort. In addition, remuneration is also considered as a crucial challenge in contemporary research.

Collaborative Art Projects for Social Change in Healthcare

Collaborative art projects in healthcare have emerged as powerful vehicles for social change, helping bridge divides between patients, healthcare providers, and communities. This article investigates the transformative potential of such initiatives, focusing on how creative collaboration fosters connection, empathy, and resilience in healthcare settings. Through a detailed examination of case studies, it highlights diverse methods and impacts of collaborative art on patient care, mental health, and community engagement. Additionally, the paper provides best practices for implementing these projects effectively in clinical settings and discusses strategies for measuring their impact on health outcomes. These insights offer healthcare professionals, artists, and community leaders a guide for utilizing art as a means to enhance care, support patient identity, and promote systemic change within the healthcare field. Keywords: Collaborative art, healthcare, social change, mental health, community engagement.

Visual Art for People with Blind Disabilities: Return to Syncretism

The study is devoted to inclusion in art and design. Its aim is to identify certain forms and means that can significantly bring the experience of communicating with visual art to people with blind disabilities, as well as to find out the opportunities of creating unique inclusively oriented art. Research methods: general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative, formal and phenomenological methods. Scientific novelty. As a result of comparative analysis of existing inclusive projects, as well as those forms of modern art that have actualised the experience of tactile perception at the time, approaches are identified that can correct the perception of art objects for people with visual impairments and use these tools to create a unique artistic product. Conclusions. The research identified three approaches to creating inclusive art projects for people with blind disabilities. The first one is a kind of “translation” of architectural forms into a language that is comprehensible for tactile reading of the model. The component of this language is size, which should be optimal for both touch perception and comprehension of the art work as a whole; therefore, the scale and preserved proportions of the elements, the texture of materials and forms, details that give uniqueness to a certain art work, are important. The second approach is a creation of adapted art objects that have a regulated relief texture applied using digital technologies. With the appropriate instruction or guidance, certain objects, line patterns and even colours can be identified. The alternation of textures of different densities and smooth surfaces allows to convey a message about colours, however, only a limited palette. In both cases, information is duplicated in Braille and equipped with a QR code with audio information. Nonetheless, both approaches are exactly adaptive products, which are certainly very valuable in terms of creating an understanding of visual art. Instead, the importance of another approach is highlighted. It is called a syncretic one in this research. To a greater extent, it corresponds to the essence of artistic experience, the deficiency of which, according to our belief, is also experienced by people with blind disabilities. Such an art work or trend claims to be not a model or a “translation” of some definite art object into the language of tactile sensations, but a unique work of art and design, universal for any person and, at the same time, marking the work with the presence of people with disabilities and being available for their perception.

Other Intelligences: Investigating the Plant-Human Relationship in Domestic Spaces

In recent years, numerous artistic experiments have emerged that engage Critical Plant Studies in dialogue with various forms of artistic creation. The role of plants in these processes, their capacity to influence them, and their impact on human imaginaries are currently subjects of debate. This text aims to analyze these questions within the context of a specific artistic project. The piece Other Intelligences by the artist duo Maria Castellanos and Alberto Valverde introduces novel features regarding the role of plants and the space of encounter between humans and plants. We will analyze this artistic device by applying concepts such as plant agency and performance, opacity, and some considerations related to ethics and care. Additionally, we will present observations of certain plant behaviors and the results of six interviews conducted with project participants.

Poland’s Cultural Diplomacy in Ukraine

The article examines the peculiarities of the implementation of the Republic of Poland's implementation of cultural diplomacy in Ukraine. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the basic foundations and principles of the development of Polish cultural diplomacy in modern modern times, and the activities of governmental and non-governmental institutions working in the field of cultural diplomacy. It is noted that the development of Poland's cultural diplomacy has been positively influenced by its EU membership, the modernization and expansion of cultural infrastructure, the growing number of cultural institutions in Poland, and the intensification of Ukrainian-Polish cultural cooperation The activities of cultural diplomacy actors such as the Polish Institute in Kyiv, the Center for Polish Culture and European Dialogue in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Mickiewicz Institute, the Stefan Batory Foundation, the Other Space Foundation, the Krzysztof Skubiszewski Foundation, and the Lane Kirkland Program, and their roles in developing and strengthening Ukrainian-Polish cultural cooperation are analyzed. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it is noted that the Polish government has continued to advance cultural diplomacy in Ukraine. The Polish Institute, in particular, has been implementing numerous cultural and artistic projects at various levels. Support for the Polish diaspora during the war has intensified, Polish culture is being increasingly promoted, and scientific diplomacy is actively progressing, particularly through joint Ukrainian-Polish research, scientific exchanges, and academic mobility programs for scholars.

Mi-e Dor De Tine: Light Festivals, Emotional Narratives and Romanian Diaspora

This paper explores the significance of urban light festivals and their role in contributing to transnational identities and narratives through a detailed study of the Mi-e Dor De Tine project. This public art project serves as an example of how light-based installations shape transnational affective experiences, particularly within the Romanian diaspora across various locations around the world. Through an ethnographic and netnographic study conducted from 2018 to 2024, this research critically engages with Mi-e Dor De Tine project within the frameworks of aesthetic capitalism, affect theory, and transnationalism. The paper emphasizes that urban light festivals not only serve as tools for urban regeneration and cultural diplomacy but also play a vital role in affirming and developing complex urban identities and affective experiences.

Chinoiserie in the Radziwill Castles of the 18th Century. Luxury in Oriental Style

The monograph by Doctor of Art History Olga Dmitrievna Bazhenova is devoted to the problem of interpreting the artistic traditions of the East in the culture of Belarus in the 18th century, namely the embodiment of the ideas of the chinoiserie style (Chinese style) in the decorative programs of the Radziwill castles and masterpieces created at the princely manufactories of the 18th century. The central place in the book is occupied by the study of the album of drawn projects of furniture, weapons, ceramics of the court artist Fischer. As the author convincingly shows, the artist's graphic projects and the objects created according to them demonstrate the correspondence of the search for chinoiserie on the territory of modern Belarus to the current trends of this exotic style in European art of the 18th century. The publication is supplemented with valuable analytical information, based, among other things, on archival data. The richly illustrated edition is prepared in Russian and English, which allows it to be relevant not only in the Russian-speaking environment.

Whose social impact is it anyway? Directionality and the potential of affect in community music

ABSTRACT Social impact is an increasingly common factor in judging the “success” of arts projects within communities, yet its applications can work to entrench marginalizations. This article notes the risks of looking only unidirectionally and dyadically, for the effects projects have on those participating. What would happen if we focused instead on how socially-engaged projects support participants to make their own impacts through the performing arts? The article combines interdisciplinary theoretical discussions with perspectives from the sex worker-led community musical theatre project, Sex Worker’s Opera. Having problematized certain approaches to social impact, the author flags the potential of the concept of affect for community music practitioners and researchers. She suggests affect – as it is more commonly used in the adjacent field of applied theatre – offers a helpful counter to limiting understandings of effect, and should be integrated into social impact discussions by socially-engaged arts funders, organizers, practitioners and researchers.

The Role of Art in Addressing Health Inequities

This paper examines the intersection of art and public health, focusing on the role of art in addressing health inequities driven by social determinants of health. Health disparities—disproportionate health outcomes influenced by socioeconomic, racial, geographic, and other systemic factors—are pervasive in many communities. Art, as both a therapeutic tool and a platform for social critique, holds unique potential to bridge these gaps. Through case studies of art initiatives, this paper investigates how collaborative art projects can foster community engagement, raise awareness, and influence policy changes to promote health equity. The paper also examines the challenges faced by art-health initiatives, offering practical strategies to overcome them. Ultimately, the integration of art into health interventions can foster emotional connections and inspire collective action toward more equitable health outcomes. Keywords: Health inequities, social determinants of health, art as social critique, public health, community.

The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities

Art has historically played a significant role in providing a voice to marginalized communities, enabling them to share their unique cultural narratives, express resilience, and advocate for social justice. This paper examines how visual, performing, and folk arts contribute to the empowerment of communities that have long been excluded from socio-political and economic development. Through historical analysis of art movements such as the Mexican Muralist Movement and the Black Arts Movement, alongside case studies like the Allsorts SLAM and “I am Liverpool,” the study underscores art’s role in fostering identity construction, well-being, and social capital. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges in aligning art-based initiatives with the true needs of marginalized groups and proposes strategies for creating sustainable, community-centered art projects that drive long-term empowerment. Keywords: Marginalized communities, Empowerment through art, Cultural identity, Social justice.

An inclusive case study of multimodal metaphor

Abstract This article provides a detailed analysis of multimodal metaphor by means of a case study which focuses on the contemporary art project, ‘Laboratory of Dilemmas’ (Venetic Biennale 2017), by George Drivas. The analysis focuses on multimodal metaphors which instantiate the source concept of labyrinth, utilizing constructs from Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Critical Metaphor Analysis and Multimodal Metaphor Analysis within a more encompassing framework of Contemporary Art Criticism. The present study aims to define properties of multimodal metaphors, i.e. their forms, concepts and usage, reveal conceptualizations of both the creator and the spectators-analysts of a system of multimodal metaphors, and clarify key contexts, such as embodied, cultural, and ideological, which influence their production, comprehension, impact and analysis. According to the analysis proposed, the multimodal metaphors affect the spectators very deeply, engaging their mental, emotional, multisensory and bodily responses to ideological dilemmas that are prompted by the current refugee migration.

Community-Based Art Projects for Public Health Education

Community-based art projects offer an innovative approach to public health education, harnessing creative mediums such as visual arts, performance, and storytelling to engage diverse populations. These projects emphasize community involvement and co-ownership, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging open dialogue on critical health issues. By using art to bridge cultural and language barriers, these initiatives promote health literacy, enhance knowledge retention, and create inclusive platforms for public discourse. This paper examines the theoretical foundations, benefits, and case studies of successful community-based art projects. It also outlines best practices for implementing these initiatives, highlighting their potential to empower communities, reduce health disparities, and improve overall well-being. Keywords: Community-based art, public health education, health literacy, creative expression, health disparities.

Pola Penerapan Residensi Unggulan Melalui Pendekatan In-kind dan Matchmaking dalam Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Seni Lintas Disiplin bersama Industri Kreatif Program Studi Pendidikan Seni Rupa

The implementation pattern of flagship residencies through in-kind and matchmaking approaches in developing interdisciplinary art learning media with the creative industry at the Fine Arts Education Study Program aims to enhance the quality and relevance of art education. This program integrates in-kind contributions from the creative industry with a matchmaking process to create productive collaborations between students and industry practitioners. Methods include residency selection, interdisciplinary art project development, and evaluation of program outcomes and impacts. The results show an increase in students' practical skills and interdisciplinary understanding, as well as the enrichment of the fine arts education curriculum through direct input from the creative industry. The implementation of this pattern is expected to strengthen the synergy between education and industry, and produce innovative and applicable art learning media

APT.5B – 2023 Time Capsule

This practice-led, artistic project explores the conceptual idea of a book as an object. It is an exploration of materiality and a documentation of artefacts found in APT. 5B. The exegesis talks to the significance of time capsules and the longevity of materials, which cements an everlasting legacy. This capstone involves curating a time capsule which documents a time and place in my life through publication design. It delves into the process of prototyping, an exploration of materials, presented in a publication through an exhibit space. This project aims to stand the test of time, transporting the artefacts, centuries into the future to be discovered. It will act as a testament to the longevity of brutalist materials and the significance of documentation and cataloguing.

Dialogues with the Future: AI Socratic Exploration of Christopher Alexander’s 15 Foundational Properties for Life

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) can provide novel insight into how complex lifeforms will evolve. Investigating the hypothesis that this evolution will follow the 15 fundamental properties listed in Christopher Alexander’s Nature of Order, this art project recruits AI to impersonate Socrates and domain experts to probe refutational and constructive elements as a means of facilitating meaningful discourse. The fictional dialogues and their core outcomes are transferred into AI generative visual representations. The project concludes with a synthesis of the insights gained from the exploration, providing a narrative about the Nature of Order as a vision of augmented wisdom.

Skolbrandsarkeologi

Skolbrandsarkeologi (“School Fire Archaeology”) is an artistic excavation (2022–2026) of Slättgårdsskolan in Skärholmen, Stockholm, led by artist Patrick Kretschek. The art project uses contemporary archaeology, participatory art, and documentary methods to explore the aftermath of the June 1, 2020, school fire. It combines text, photography, film, and artifacts to narrate the event through testimonies from students, teachers, parents, and the public. Exhibited locally at culture house FOLK in Skärholmen, it offers a space for reflection on loss, memory, and reconstruction.

The Position of Contemporary Hybrid Art Practices in Shaping Ethical Response to AI Vladan Joler and Kate Crawford – Case Study

The thesis of this paper rests on the premise that the role of contemporary hybrid art practices, employing technology as a means of expression, has extended to active engagement in the complexities of societal conflicts and shaping philosophical dialogue, which is evident in its subversive endeavors, that have become the points of intersection between power dynamics, technology, and ethics. Namely, the position of art has become the pragmatic and utilitarian one, and art aims at confronting society with the antagonisms of the mechanisms of power and the consequences of high technology development. With a view to support the thesis of this essay, I will analyze Vladan Joler's and Kate Crawford's art project “Anatomy of an AI System”. The aim of this essay is to show that the role of hybrid art is reflected in its contribution to the society, by helping it to anticipate and develop policies and systems of rules with a view to regulate behavior in borderline situations of advanced technology and ethics. Research methods applied in this paper are analysis, synthesis, observation, generalization, and comparative text analysis.