The debate about artistic research is complex and revolves around questions about its value and relevance. Proponents believe that it contributes new perspectives and methods that are important for artistic development and education.
Critics believe that it is an inward-looking discipline that does not contribute to society or the art world at large, and that the resources could be better used outside academia, for example the liberal arts.
Became historic
Bogdan Szyber made history when he was the first artist to fail in this relatively young research discipline.
– Absurd that he is rejected precisely because he engages in the type of questioning and problematizing that is claimed to be held so highly in artistic research, says Lyra Ekström Lindbäck.
Klas Nevrin, lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music, believes that the problem is not in Szyber’s criticism of artistic research.
– If you are in a research area and are very critical, then you also have to take into account the other approaches that exist around artistic research. It is clear that he did not, he says.
Develops new methods
Nevrin believes that artistic research gives practitioners the opportunity to contribute new perspectives on art and music.
– It’s about documenting and sharing methods, which is important for the development of artistic education and forms of collaboration. There is an international exchange in artistic research that is valuable. Although there are shortcomings, just like in all areas of research, he says.
Lyra Ekström Lindbäck questions whether artistic research really contributes to society or the art world. She believes that the state’s growing investment in artistic research risks robbing art of both its allure and its freedom.
Risk of polarization
Klas Nevrin welcomes the debate but also sees a risk of increased polarization.
– My view is that more artistic research can lead to the practice of art also finding a place in society in general. Artists outside the academy and artists within the academy need to help each other, rather than separate them from each other, he says.