Research Marc Jacobs

Abstract

Crafting Futures examines and transforms the assessment & validation mechanisms by which crafts knowledge and know-how (CKK) is evaluated, to enhance its value added for economy and society in Flanders. Crafts are resources for competitiveness, innovation, sustainable development and quality of life, contributing to SDG4, 8 and 11. Yet the services and tools needed to foster the recognition of the value of CKK currently hamper the full utilisation of its economic and societal potential, as they mostly reduce CKK to cultural heritage. Our main objectives are to 1) understand the shortcomings of the assessment and validation mechanisms and tools and 2) transform the "repertoires of evaluation" and the related validation tools. This is achieved by interdisciplinary research & urban co-creative labs in which we 1) map the controversies around the assessment and validation of CKK in ecosystems where crafts people collaborate with other professionals (formal education and maker spaces); 2) produce a new scientific toolbox and conceptual framework that enables future scientists to approach CKK beyond its heritage value and assess and validate its economic and societal value across disciplines; 3) co-create formats and tools which enable crafts people and stakeholders such as educators and entrepreneurs to valorise CKK more effectively and productively (business models, certificates, …), 4) design recommendations and plans for urban and regional governments, which enable to optimise CKK's integration and impact in economy and society (professional qualifications, property protection, …), and 5) valorise and sustain these tools for the future through a plan for a crafts council Flanders, which would also represent crafts people in future policy making processes. We will develop and test our revised formats and tools in action research labs that analyse in-depth a set of "boundary cases" by our stakeholders and experiment with hybrid craftsmanship and 21st-century skills.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Munck Bert
• Co-promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Co-promoter: Schramme Annick
• Co-promoter: van Zimmeren Esther
• Co-promoter: Verlinden Jouke Casper

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tracks4Crafts examines and transforms the transmission of traditional crafts knowledge (TCK) to enhance the societal and economic valuation of crafts and align them with a future-oriented heritage approach in Europe. As intangible cultural heritage (ICH), crafts and TCK can be seen as resources for competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development and quality of life, contributing to SDG 4, 8 and 11. Yet the tools, formats and instruments needed to foster the transmission and employment of TCK are lagging behind, which hampers the full development of its potential. Our objectives are to enhance and transform the transmission of TCK for a more effective economic as well as societal valuation of crafts. This is achieved in 4 Tracks, in which we (1) transform learning processes in physical spaces in which crafts people collaborate (in hi-tech environments, including fablabs and maker spaces etc.), (2) develop new digital technologies that enhance and transform transmission of TCK, (3) produce tools and instruments which enable capturing and optimising the value of the produced TCK (business modelling, certification and property protection), and (4) create networks to foster and disseminate the societal and economic value of TCK (e.g. through the CHARTER-alliance). The output is based on experiments in 8 craft ecosystems in which we develop and test formats for learning and tools for certification and validation in which (1) the economic and cultural barriers related to traditional TCK-transmission are addressed (i.a. the lengthy nature of learning, the fear of the craft getting lost…) and (2) the full potential of technology is tapped (i.a. for turning embodied TCK in open-source knowledge). To ensure that the solutions bridge the heritage perspective and the economic and societal needs and that our solutions are shared and transferable, our approach is deeply interdisciplinary and based on processes of multi-stakeholder co-creation (including action research).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Munck Bert
• Co-promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Co-promoter: Schramme Annick
• Co-promoter: Verlinden Jouke Casper

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Small museum entities that are part of a larger museum group are often not a priority as far as strategic management is concerned. The geographical distance to the mother museum creates a mental gap that helps to understand why in general these 'satellite museums' lack resources, are short in personnel, have problems with their buildings, and even have difficulties to offer the adequate material conditions for the preservation of artworks. Although suited for experiencing heritage, the small scale causes gigantic challenges, but also new experiences and alternative tourism potential. Precisely these problems and issues will be addressed and tackled in this project on the Meunier Museum. It will mobilize an important series of scholarly resources and will generate new experiences and insights that are relevant and innovating in museology and heritage sciences and practices. The current project is (on) the front zone and the intersection of several scholarly disciplines: art history, history, conservation-restoration science (of both immovable and movable heritage), museology, critical heritage studies, policy studies, tourism studies and cultural management sciences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Fellow: Müller Ulrike

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Leaving aside a handful of recent scientific articles, the only general publication on the history of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH), its buildings and the development of its collections is a Liber Memorialis, published in 1985 on the occasion of the museum's 150th anniversary. While the latter publication was aimed at a general public, no other encompassing scientific and critical study on the history of the RMAH that attempts at tracing this history against the background of broader (inter)-national socio-political and cultural developments, has so far been published, despite the fact that vast amounts of unstudied documentation are looming in the museum's institutional archives. Henceforth, the RMARCH project focusses on the history of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH), based on its institutional archives. In collaboration with the archivist of the RMAH, the FED-tWIN researcher will work on eliminating the enormous backlog in archival description, (online) access and digitalisation of the RMAH institutional archives with the specific aim to make these archives available to the general public but also for further scientific research. Following the reorganisation of these archives, several research questions will be addressed that ultimately will result in a new critical and scientific study on the history of the RMAH. Special attention will be devoted to the various historical buildings of the different museums that form the RMAH but also to the different actors that were responsible for the development of its collections.RMARCH proposes a multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional approach that will build on the expertise of past and current research projects in both the RMAH and the University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen). The research opportunities that will emerge from opening up this important institutional archive will not only allow the FED-tWIN researcher with his/her focus and profile in archival studies and architectural history to rewrite the history of the RMAH but also to play a crucial role in connecting, moderating and advancing them into the broader field of heritage studies. These are ranging from archival and (art and architectural) historical research to conservation and restoration but also in new research fields such as digital humanities and the development of digital documentation, data visualisation and imaging technologies. In this respect, the synergy between the disciplines Heritage Studies and Conservation-Restoration of the Faculty of Design Sciences of the UAntwerpen also offers a unique opportunity to deeply embed this project into academic education and training and in cooperation with the two research groups Henry van der Velde and Heritage & Sustainability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bertels Inge
• Co-promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Fellow: Verhoeven Gerrit

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Almost 360 years of academic heritage at Campus Mutsaard reflects the history of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and of the young Faculty of Design Sciences of the University of Antwerp. A participatory value-based heritage assessment will be carried out, involving a wide range of stakeholders and heritage communities. The development of this participatory process will not only contribute to the design of a methodology that includes multiple perspectives in the assessment of heritage value, but will hopefully also result in a meaningful integration of the academic heritage in the future educational and infrastructural plans.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verreyke Hélène
• Co-promoter: De Vis Kristel
• Co-promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Co-promoter: Müller Ulrike

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project, financed by the Edmund Delhougne Foundation, aspires to put DNA research, genealogy, family history and genetic genealogy on the academic agenda, of heritage studies in particular, both in education on master's level and in research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Academic Education, research and services in family history, genealogy, DNAresearch and genetics. A project with prof. dr. Maarten Larmuseau, co-organised with the Delhougne Foundation.to explore the potential of the interesection between DNA, genetics and genealogy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project
• Education Project

Abstract

The goal of the project is (1) the development of a Frame of Reference for dealing with Sensitive Heritage (REGER-Frame) that is (2) concretely implemented in the public display and outreach programmes of heritage institutions, and, (3) to give an incentive for a structural sustainable inclusion of the REGER-frame in heritage and education networks. The impact of and the potential of the reactions against the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 on the three subgoals of the second phase of the broader project are explicitly addressed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The cultural presence of the mandolin in Greece is linked to four different musical traditions coming from four different regions: Asia Minor, the Ionian Islands, Athens, and Crete. However, since the music has traditionally been passed on from generation to generation by means of oral transmission, and since traditional musicians are now in old age, all this heritage is about to be lost. During this project, I will focus on the musical traditions of Asia Minor and the Ionians islands. Fieldwork will provide an overview of the repertoire and an accompanying range of insights about unknown playing techniques and pedagogical processes that are severely lacking at the moment. The purposes of the project are to explore, document and record the repertoire, as well as the playing techniques that have evolved throughout the musical traditions of Asia Minor and the Ionian Islands; to develop and document a specific performance practice method for these two traditions; to enrich the mandolin's repertoire by bringing unknown repertoire and performing techniques to light; to improve improvisation skills of classical musicians; to inspire new composers to use the already existing instrumental techniques and stylistic characteristics that have been spread orally through the four traditions and create new contemporary music for mandolin.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In Greece, the cultural presence of the mandolin – as a musical instrument expressing local musical traditions – dates back to the late 19th century. It is linked to four different musical traditions (the Smyrnean songs, the Athenian song, the Heptanisian serenade, and the Cretan music, dances) originating in four different regions: Asia Minor, Athens, the Ionian Islands, and Crete. The music differs from tradition to tradition and evolves continuously over the years. Moreover, it is characterized by an impressive diversity of rhythms, harmonies, scales, and melodies – due to the creative assimilation of both Oriental and Western European influences. The mandolin's repertoire in the musical tradition of Athens has been rich and varied, including works by international composers such as Verdi, Donizetti, Puccini, von Suppé, Bach, Glück, and Gounod, and works of Greek composers such as Samaras, Rodiou, Chatziapostolou, Dromazou, Karreri, and others. In addition, it includes works by further Italian composers, excerpts from Greek and international operas and operettas, and arrangements of symphonic works. Cretan music undoubtedly belongs to the family of the tropical musical traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean and has also remarkable common elements with other traditions of the wider region such as Arabic, Turkish and, of course, traditions of different regions of Greece. The mandolin music in Crete has been identified with Cretan dances. Contemporary Cretan dances are especially energetic, fast and characterized as warlike and aggressive. The most interesting aspect of Cretan dances is that they are performed without a score and each dance is defined by specific motifs that are being developed in an improvisational manner during the performance. The purposes of this project are to explore, document and record the repertoire, as well as the playing techniques that have arisen in the musical traditions of Crete and Athens; to develop and document a specific performance practice method for these two traditions; to enrich the mandolin's repertoire by bringing unknown repertoire and performing techniques to light; to improve improvisation skills of classical musicians; to inspire new composers to use the already existing instrumental techniques that have been spread orally through the four traditions, and create new contemporary music for mandolin. The fieldwork will provide an overview of the repertoire and an accompanying range of insights about unknown playing techniques and pedagogical processes that are severely lacking at the moment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With discussions about wrong street names, controversial statues or loaded colonial objects, sensitive heritage has a high topical value. It is not easy to handle this for cultural heritage institutions. The aim of the project is (1) to develop a REference Framework for dealing with Sensitive HERitage (REFSHER framework) that (2) can be applied in the collection presentation and public activities of heritage institutions so that their effects can be measured. Sensitive heritage can be a powerful means of facilitating multiperspectivity. Multiperspectivity is an attitude that expresses the willingness to change perspective mentally. It is about the willingness to put oneself in perspective of others, both in old perspectives and in contemporary interpretations. It is also important to include the perspective of socially vulnerable groups or groups that are less socially involved. Multiperspectivity presupposes bringing together and connecting people with openness to each other's argued perspectives. In this way, multiperspectivity contributes to the development of a critical sense, respect for others and a democratic attitude. Sensitivity is time and space bound and not static and unchangeable. Watson (2016) speaks in this context of "the emotional register of the past". Heritage institutions do try to respond to the sensitivities that exist in society by creating authenticity, experience and tension, but are also wary of hyper-emotional reactions. We mainly work with publicly accepted emotions about suffering, violence and fear. However, that emotional register is not certain. The fierce discussions about controversial statues, wrong street names or the Zwarte Piet policy show that sensitivity is time and space bound. "Sensitivity" is a label that is stuck on heritage, but can fade over time to come back later. The question therefore arises as to which factors determine that something is perceived as sensitive and to what extent this is then associated with heritage. The central research question is: What are the possibilities and limitations to realize multiperspectivity through sensitive heritage in cultural heritage institutions? As partners in the cultural heritage field, we chose institutions that (1) have sensitive heritage in their collections and (2) offer opportunities to respond to important contemporary social issues. The following partners were found willing to actively participate: - ADVN | archive for national movements, specifically the Flemish movement, other national and regional movements in Europe and related themes or derived from them, such as right-wing radicalism, fascism, racism, negationism, based in Antwerp; - Kazerne Dossin - Memorial, Museum and Documentation Center on Holocaust and Human Rights, in Mechelen; - Museum Dr. Guislain in Ghent on the history of and current discussions on psychiatry and mental health, care, and art and madness; - AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, place of memory of a shared colonial past and a platform for meeting and dialogue with people of different generations and cultures.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Jacobs Marc
• Promoter: Janssenswillen Paul
• Co-promoter: Meeus Wil

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
• Didactica

Project type(s)

• Research Project