Final call for applications: Advanced Master of Research in Art and Design in a Social-Political Context

The advanced Master of Research in Art and Design focuses on the research development of artists and designers whose practice is anchored in a social-political context (including but not limited to feminism, social design, migration, decolonisation, class politics, queer politics, disability politics, capitalism, identity, Anthropocene, the (under)commons, community art, healing & rituals, history, big data & AI…).

The concrete program will be developed in line with the specific research proposals of the participants. We offer intense coaching in research methodologies, writing, and critical studies. The coaching is individual, collective and participatory, with a strong focus on sharing research. We meet every three weeks for a session of three days in Antwerp. In addition to these sessions, we also organise three intensive and collaborative research weeks facilitated by distinguished artists or designers. 

The program offers time and space to do research without the requirement of any particular final format such as an exhibition or production. Collective learning and participatory coaching is central to the program; it comes with the engagement of each participant to care for each other’s research development and criticality. We offer a nurturing research environment of dedicated and experienced tutors, junior and senior researchers and PhD students as well as an international network of guest lecturers and partner institutions.

We work with a small team of maximum 12 students.

Qualifications
The advanced Master of Research in Art and Design is intended for artists or designers who have previously obtained a Master’s degree. Unfortunately, we are unnable to accept applicants without a Master’s degree, irrespective of experience.  We welcome masters in visual arts, design or any other discipline, provided they have an artistic research practice. The program is particularly suitable for those interested in developing their research within a social-political context or in preparation for a successful PhD project. You apply with a CV, portfolio, letter of motivation and research proposal. Small collectives or duos are also encouraged to apply!

Why apply?
If you have a Master’s degree and want to deepen and expand your artistic research or pursue a PhD in the arts. If you want to be part of a collective and participatory coaching proces. If you are working on an artistic research project and want a group of caring and critical peers and tutors to accompany you along the way. 

Practical information
This last call for applications the 2021–22 program closes on August 18, 2021. Admission interviews take place on August 31, 2021. The program starts the last week of September 2021. The tuition fee is 2500 EUR. There are no scholarships available. 

For more information on the program, please check the website. If you have any further questions, please contact head of research Petra Van Brabandt at petra.vanbrabandt [​at​] kdg.be. Please send your application consisting of your cv, portfolio, letter of motivation, research proposal and copy of Master diploma to the program’s coordinator Joud Toamah at joud.toamah [​at​] kdg.be