While artistic research is now established as a natural part of the higher education system in many countries, it is only slowly gaining more attention in Germany. A scientific-artistic doctorate is currently possible at various universities of art and music, and there are repeated calls for the establishment of an artistic doctorate. As the first German film school with university status, the Film University is naturally part of this development and the corresponding discussions.
Since January 2025, the BMFTR-funded research project ILLUME has been looking into the question of how artistic research can be facilitated and promoted at art and music universities. The aim is to find out how this complementary research approach must be integrated into the institutional structures in order to both positively advance the development of these universities and provide new impetus for science and society.
In cooperation with the Institute for Higher Education Research (HoF) at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the project team is not only researching the framework conditions and potential of artistic research, but above all the conditions for its success. ILLUME is thus doing pioneering work: in German academic and university research, artistic research has so far only been marginally investigated - in particular, research into its organisation is still lacking. ‘As part of ILLUME, we are looking at artistic research from a different perspective,’ reports project manager Prof Dr Daniela Schlütz, ‘In collaboration with our partners from science and higher education research, we are investigating the future-oriented potential of artistic practices and forms and identifying suitable strategies and measures to expand and promote artistic research at German art and music universities.’
Course of the project
In the first phase of the project, the initial situation of artistic research in Germany, including its historical development and problems, will be systematically analysed. In addition to compiling a literature review, focus group discussions will be held to supplement and complement the research. The survey of the research field refers both to the individual level of the individual artistic researchers and - in a second step - to the organisational level of the universities. Thirdly, the structural level of the higher education system comes into focus.
This approach first systematically generates research knowledge on the contributions and structures of artistic research in Germany in order to then identify suitable options for action. ILLUME thus directly follows on from the 2021 recommendations of the German Council of Science and Humanities and aims to provide guidance for relevant stakeholders - both for universities and for policymakers.
‘Constant contact with artistic researchers is particularly important to us, both at the Film University and of course beyond,’ emphasises project team member Dr. Sarah Kordecki, ‘The IKF with its funding structures and events offers an ideal starting point here and I am very much looking forward to exchanging ideas with my colleagues.’
