Celebration of Two Years of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts
The Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts research group aims to contribute to knowledge development around social justice within artistic practice, education and research, both within the AHK and beyond.
Start of the Research Group Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts 2025–2029
The Research Group Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts at the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) will commence a new research cycle in 2025, led by Dr. Naomi Bueno de Mesquita. This research group will explore how the arts can contribute to creating a more just society.
The current content on this page reflects the activities and research conducted during the previous research cycle (2022–2024). The mission and vision of the new research group are currently under development. We are working to update this page soon with detailed information about the new research program (2025–2029).
Stay tuned for updates on the direction, ambitions, and activities of this new research group, which aims to play a pivotal role in enhancing the impact of the arts on social justice.
Research tracks
The lectorate has two research tracks:
- Socially just art education
This research track entails the research activities that directly support (arts) education utilizing methods that embody socially just practices, including the application of the 5 pillars; weaving of stories; and the Inclusivity Pathway Training (IPT). The projects and research activities will be initiated by requests from students and staff.
- Socially Just Communities
Our knowledge production aims to contribute to the transformation of communities, within as well as outside of the institution. This research track connects to the knowledge, experiences and everyday realities of communities outside of the educational arts institution. The research track also aims to continuously cultivate connections between citizenship, education and creative practice. The projects and research activities under this track are initiated by or depart from communities, partners, and collaborators outside of the AHK.
Mission & Vision
Mission
The Lectorate of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts offers collaborative research and learning opportunities that contribute to knowledge development that directly empowers students, educators, creative professionals and citizens in the pursuit of education, research, or creative practice informed by principles of social justice. The lectorate responds to questions and needs from AHK students, tutors, and staff members, as well as from external creatives and communities, while it also self-initiates projects.
Vision
The Lectorate of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts stands for an approach to diversity and social justice that requires courage, humility, care and creativity. We depart from the notion that relationality and embodiment are the key to restore and heal in response to the long histories of separation and fragmentation brought forth by the particular historical trajectories of 500 years of modernity/coloniality. We believe in the strength and agency of individuals and groups to find their own pathways (through creativity) for transformation.
