The term ‘artistic research’ broadly describes the way in which arts practices reflect on its
own process and generate tools, methods and approaches to question economical,
technological and cultural change in the contemporary world. Since Leonardo da Vinci, the
intertwining between art and research has been at the heart of the Italian Renaissance
thereby constituting one of the essential characteristics of Italian cultural and artistic
heritage over the centuries. Recovering that tradition, Italian AFAM institutions developed
experimental methodologies of research and innovative methods of learning which have
been primarily devoted to interdisciplinary knowledge-making, education-through-practice
and research-creation, therefore reflecting major transformations within the artistic
education system in Europe and abroad. Following this pathway, Italian art schools
provided over the years a range of models, interpretations and approaches which may
represent an inspiring paradigm for the future development of scientific inquiry in Italy.
Objectives
The project aims at fostering the peculiar research heritage developed within Italian AFAM
institutions by putting attention to practice-based methodologies, experimental knowledge
and cross-disciplinary approaches to artistic research. Moreover, the project strives to
renew the ways in which research is understood and practiced in AFAM institutions by
implementing innovative methodologies of artistic investigation, such as practice-led
research, practice-based research, art research, research in and through the arts,
research-creation. To this end, it seeks to create an Italian Network of Artistic Research
(INAR) which should map and internationally promote the existing know-how in Italian
schools of art, music, design and performing arts.
Expected results
The creation of the network will be led by Accademia Albertina and co-designed with the
cooperation of the other member institutions, and international associate members, thereby
promoting both the cooperation between AFAM institutions and the role of Italian art
schools within the international artistic education and research community.
The initiatives part of the project proposal (see A.2.2) will enable the development of an
international platform of research-creation, bringing together a multidisciplinary
community of researchers, professionals, artists and artist-scholars in different fields of
arts. The network will allow Italian students, professors and researchers to share and
exchange knowledge and experience in artistic research; foster mobility, exchange and
dialogue among artist researchers; promote wider dissemination of artistic research; and
enable international connectivity for artistic research. Furthermore, the programme will
also enable a new digital mapping of European creative best practices, creating a bridge
between national traditions and the creative developments of an international industry
capable of transcending borders, while building on territorial specificities.