Social Art(s) Practice Research Seminar

A Three-Day Research Exchange

Dates: September 7-8-9, 2026
Location: Dpt. of Education and Social Work, University of Luxemburg, Luxemburg

This intensive three-day seminar brought together socially engaged practice-researchers from diverse arts disciplines. The event created a unique space for researchers working across different participatory, social, and community contexts to share experiences and methodologies.

Report

Here you can read a report of the seminar, shortly presenting some those who participated in this research seminar, as well as some of the most important issues and topics touched upon:

SIMM#12_Research Seminar on Social Arts Practice_report

Organisers

The seminar was jointly organised by:

• The Musicology and Arts Department, Department of Education and Social Work, University of Luxembourg
• The Academic Chair Jonet on Social Action & Music-Making, Ghent University and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Ghent, Belgium
• The international scholarly network SIMM (Social Impact of Music-Making), based in Brussels, Belgium
• The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London

This marked SIMM’s 12th seminar since 2015, and the 2nd edition of a research seminar focussing on different artistic disciplines active within participatory art projects. While events initiated by SIMM mostly focus primarily on music, this seminar expands to encompass multiple art forms, fostering cross-disciplinary learning and exchange.

The facilitators of the seminar were Dr. Filip Verneert (Chair Jonet, Ghent University, BE), Prof. Sean Gregory (Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London), Prof. Luc Nijs (Institute for Musicology and the Arts, University of Luxembourg & Chair Jonet, Ghent), Prof. Potheini Vaiouli (Department of Education and Social Work, University of Luxembourg), and Prof. Dr. Lukas Pairon (SIMM & Chair Jonet). As facilitators they during this research seminar helped the participants in sharing their experiences and ideas and research methodologies.

The scientific committee for this seminar was composed of:

• Prof. Brydie-Leigh Bartleet, Griffith University, Australia
• Prof. An De bisschop, Ghent University, Belgium
• Prof. Sean Gregory, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London
• Dr. Sophie Hope, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London
• Prof. Luc Nijs, University of Luxembourg
• Prof. Potheini Vaiouli, University of Luxembourg
• Dr. Filip Verneert, Chair Jonet, Ghent University, Belgium
• Prof. Lukas Pairon, founder of SIMM