Arts and Institutional Change

The research of this theme group focuses on the institutional context of the arts. This institutional context encompasses concrete organisations, but also art worlds with their specific networks, actors, and values. Research subjects are ways of (self-)organisation in the arts, the influence of economic, ecological, political, social and technological developments on the arts, and institutional actors such as artists, critics, public, distributors, production houses, sponsors and policy makers.

Project showcase

An example of research within this theme group is the project ‘Values in Theatre Politics’ lead by dr. Qurijn van den Hoogen. This project examines the values behind decisions to fund theatre projects and organisations. It aim is to track historical developments in these funding decisions, o.a. the impact of new publica management and neoliberal principles in government politicy. Furthermore, the project aims to compare the value orientations of public and private funders of theatre across different nations in Europe such as the Netherlands, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hungary.

Involved researchers

• Lucia van Heteren
• Quirijn van den Hoogen
• Eleftheria Ionannidou
• Mary Kemperink
• Johan Kolsteeg
• Thijs Lijster
• Marijke Martin
• Kristin McGee
• Rudi de Vries
• Margriet van der Waal
• Marlieke Wilders