On 4 September, the research group Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts (SJDA) celebrated its second anniversary with a day of workshops followed by a festive evening at Pakhuis de Zwijger. Founded to promote inclusion, diversity, and social justice within (and beyond) the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK), the research group reflected on two years of valuable work. From personal storytelling in the Story Circle method to the Tuning In! protest choir, the event offered a broad insight into the research group's activities. During the celebration, the publication (Re)searching for Transformations: Two Years of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts was also launched.
Workshops: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The day began with three parallel workshops, introduced by Associate Professor Rosa te Velde. These sessions offered participants practical insights into the group’s research and were held at the AHK Culture Club and AHK Learning Lab on the Marineterrein.
The Story Circle Method: The Power of Personal Stories
Camiël Kesser and Tayfun Balçik introduced the Story Circle method, where participants shared their personal, honest, and vulnerable stories in a safe setting. The group was divided into two circles—an inner circle that shared stories and an outer circle that listened and responded—creating an intimate atmosphere focused on openness and respect. Although the stories and dynamics varied by group, the conclusion remained that every story is equally valuable and engaging. The method’s ability to draw out personal narratives makes it an interesting tool for various research contexts.
Inclusive Learning and Working Environment at the AHK
Gabriela Acosta Camacho offered an overview of the Inclusive Learning and Working Environment (ILWO) module. This inspiring and accessible module, now part of the Basic Teaching Qualification (BDB) at AHK, was designed for AHK lecturers. Gabriela guided participants through various exercises aimed at helping educators create a more inclusive environment for their students. Many of these exercises are based on the Inclusivity Pathway Training (IPT) developed by former research group leader Aminata Cairo, drawing from disciplines like dance, visual arts, theatre, cognitive psychology, and psychodrama. One example of an introductory exercise involved forming a circle, where each participant introduced themselves by naming two things they love, which were then expressed through movement. This simple but effective exercise quickly set a relaxed and ice-breaking atmosphere.
Embodied Singing in Different Languages with the Tuning In! Protest Choir
Priya Keet, Naïma Baraka, and Rosa te Velde introduced the Tuning In! protest choir. They began with a movement exercise that participants described as both safe and liberating. The movements gradually became larger, allowing participants to feel free enough to dance together. This made the transition to the next step—singing together—much easier. The group sang a song in Kurdish, and although most participants didn’t speak the language, the melody evoked powerful emotions. This reflects the essence and strength of the protest choir.
Evening Celebration at Pakhuis de Zwijger
The anniversary concluded with a festive gathering in the main hall of Pakhuis de Zwijger, moderated by journalist Fitria Jelyta. The event presented the research from the past two years, focusing on its diversity and human impact. The evening also saw the launch of the new publication (Re)searching for Transformations: Two Years of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts.
Five Pillars of Research: Joy as a Driving Force
Associate Professor Rosa te Velde briefly introduced the 5 Pillar Framework, developed by the research group as a foundation for its work. The model consists of five pillars: relationality, temporality, transformation, cost, and joy. Former research group leader Aminata Cairo, in a video interview, shared examples such as the Barbershop and Rural Youth projects, where this framework not only guided the research but was actively applied. She stressed the importance of research not just generating knowledge but also fostering transformation. Despite the heavy and often challenging themes addressed by the research group, she also highlighted the significance of joy, as it stimulates creativity, which in turn fuels the arts, a powerful medium for confronting injustice.
Keynote: Decolonial Thinking Explained by Rolando Vazquez
Decolonial thinker and University of Amsterdam professor Rolando Vazquez discussed the urgency of the research group’s work in a time of genocide, polarisation, and exclusion. He emphasised the crucial need to offer a counter-narrative by leading an ethical and meaningful life, which, according to him, can only be achieved collectively—through relationships with others (relationality). He illustrated this with a compelling example: “If you only listen to yourself, you do not know yourself; it is only when others tell you about yourself that you truly learn who you are.” This principle also applies to research perspectives: the Eurocentric view dominates academia, but this becomes evident only when contrasted with other perspectives. This decolonial framework is central to the research group’s work, leading to research that steps outside dominant paradigms.
Following Rolando Vazquez’s theoretical reflection, Dr. Paulina Trejo Méndez offered a poetic interpretation of the research group’s work.
Emotion on Full Display During the Tuning In! Protest Choir Performance
Artistic practice-based research focuses not just on listening to lectures, but also on performing and doing. Dressed in black and red, the Tuning In! protest choir sang Kurdish stories, expressing their anger, sadness, and powerlessness. Accompanied by ney and guitar, they made the shared emotions deeply felt by the audience. The Tuning In! protest choir was formed as part of the research group’s study into ‘embodied community’. The choir is open to new members and will host an open rehearsal on Monday, 23 September 2024 (18:45-21:00) at Ru Paré in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. No singing experience is required, and the language of instruction is Dutch/English.
Research in Brief
During a roundtable discussion, moderator Fitria Jelyta interviewed four of the research group’s scholars: Camiël Kesser, Paulina Trejo Méndez, Tayfun Balçik, and Gabriela Acosta Camacho. This provided an engaging overview of their various research projects. A recurring theme in their work is the importance of personal stories, which they treat with respect and empathy. As researchers, they not only focus on bringing non-dominant knowledge to light but also on how to navigate the friction and discomfort this can evoke. They also emphasised the pillar of joy, which for many students is a key motivator in engaging with the research group’s projects.
The evening concluded with a dynamic dance performance by dance teachers Layzmina Emerencia and Vincent Verburg. Layzmina, along with David Cham, has conducted research on decolonising the student experience in the dance teacher training programme.
Order the New Publication
Want to learn more about the research projects from the past two years? The research group has compiled an overview of their work in the new publication (Re)searching for Transformations: Two Years of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts, which is available in limited quantities and can be ordered directly here.