29 April 2025 | Gele Zaal, Royal Conservatoire Antwerp
Initiated by Drs. Georgia Nikolaou (Royal Conservatoire Antwerp - AP / University of Antwerp) & Drs. Tina Reynaert (CESAMM - Academic Chair Jonet / Ghent University)
Supported by: ARIA (University of Antwerp), CORPoREAL - Royal Conservatoire Antwerp (AP), CESAMM (UGent), Academic Chair Jonet and De Singel
Participatory music making has gained a lot of attention in recent years reflecting the importance of access to cultural participation for all members of the society, regardless of their background. At the same time, the number of artists that engage in participatory music projects has been steadily increasing, creating the need for responsive and comprehensive training programs. Research shows that artists that engage in intercultural participatory music practices face multiple challenges such as language barriers, different musical grammars and backgrounds. Besides, they come across other contextual jeopardies that are likely to occur in transient contexts, such as in asylum centers, immigration detention centers and facilities for unaccompanied refugee minors. To overcome these barriers, responsive facilitation and participant-led designs for musical workshops are the main concern for facilitating artists in their quest to create safe spaces and acts of hospitality.
In this research seminar we explore how Embodiment can be implemented as a basic condition for inclusivity within participatory music making and what are the benefits for participants and facilitators. In the context of Music Making, Embodiment refers to the integration of bodily movement and sensory experiences in the dynamic process of learning, creating and performing music. It underscores the pivotal role of the body in shaping our acquisition of knowledge and lived experiences. Importantly, integrating bodily movement transcends mere procedural steps; it becomes a powerful medium for artistic expression. Indeed, this approach overcomes barriers related to instrument availability and it invites individuals without extensive instrumental skills to embark on a collective journey of exploration and experimentation that fosters inclusivity and participation.
Through interactive lectures and practical workshops, the participants of this research seminar will become acquainted with musicking strategies that involve the body and ultimately obtain a basic, hands-on toolkit to accommodate their practices from an embodied perspective. The first workshop will focus on embodiment through singing and movement in a group. In another workshop facilitating artists will be introduced to soundpainting, a form of collective improvisation. To wrap up the seminar, a panel consisting of the workshop leaders and presenters will synthesize all insights and elaborate further on questions from participants.
Programme
- 09:30 - 10:00 Doors open, registration
- 10:00 - 10:20 Introduction by Drs. Georgia Nicolaou & Drs. Tina Reynaert
- 10:20 - 11:10 Keynote Speech on responsive facilitation and embodiment in asylum reception centers by Prof. Dr. Ailbhe Kenny (Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick)
- 11:10 - 11:25 Coffee break
- 11:30 - 12:30 Workshop 1: Singing through Embodiment with Andria Antoniou (singer – educator, Voice Hub, London)
- 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
- 13:30 - 14:30 Workshop 2: Collective Improvisation through Soundpainting with Hashem Kabreet (percussionist – music facilitator, Orchestre Partout, Amsterdam)
- 14:30 - 14:45 Coffee Break
- 14:45 - 15:45 Panel discussion: How Meaningful embodiment is in intercultural music practices? Moderators: Hans van Regenmortel & Prof. dr. An De bisschop
Practical
- 29 April 2025, 9:30 - 16:00
- Gele Zaal, Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen, Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerpen
- This is an English spoken event, free of charge
- Lunch and coffee will be provided.
Registration is required by 10 April 2025
For further information and questions please contact: tina.reynaert@ugent.be or georgia.nikolaou@ap.be
