“Artistic research builds up, it doesn’t tear down” – Anu Lampela believes in the power of art to change the world
Artistic research is not just quiet reflection by individual artists, but a powerful way to understand, articulate and share artistic thinking, says DMus Anu Lampela, director of the Open Campus at Uniarts Helsinki.
Lampela is one of the organisers behind the upcoming Doctors in Performance festival conference, hosted by the university this September and dedicated specifically to artistic research. According to her, the status of artistic research has grown stronger in recent years – and for good reason.
“Today, artists are able to articulate their thinking and processes in a completely different way than they could 20 years ago. It’s impressive. And most importantly: research should not be detached from art – it must serve the artist and be accessible to others. It needs to be something that can be shared.”
Art as part of society – not in a bubble
Lampela is pleased that artistic research has become increasingly connected to the world around it.
“Even when we’re deeply focused on, say, the performance of a particular piece, the artist cannot stay in their own bubble. One of the university’s key roles is to equip artists to face this complex world. Critical thinking and the ability to articulate one’s own artistic work are essential.”
She believes that in the future, the creation of intangible value will take centre stage – also in interdisciplinary research.
“Artists are already doing this in their everyday work: a violin teacher explains to their student how to practise each aspect of the piece and how to interpret it and perform it to others. That’s the articulation of intangible expertise. We just need to recognise and strengthen this in the university context, as well – and make it a visible part of broader research.”
“Art builds and nurtures wellbeing”
Lampela finds that the distinctive feature of artistic research is its constructive, positive force.
“If we are making art, we are always on the side of good. Art doesn’t tear down – it builds up. But we must also learn to explain what we are doing and why it matters. We have data, expertise and enormous potential. We just need to know how to use it.”
One way to achieve this is through networking. Lampela sees international interactions as vital not only for individual researchers but for the entire field.
“It’s incredibly valuable for people to connect early in their careers – already during their doctoral studies. That’s when trust is formed, and that trust becomes the foundation for future collaborations and even, for example, applications for funding.”
Doctors in Performance brings artistic research to the stage
Lampela was involved in launching the first Doctors in Performance conference in Helsinki in 2014. Organised every two years by an international network of higher education institutions, the event highlights the questions surrounding artistic research and returns this year to its roots at the Sibelius Academy.
“It’s been amazing to watch how the event has grown and how artistic research has grown stronger alongside it. This year, we particularly wanted to turn the spotlight on more experienced artist-researchers, as well, and open the doors to a wide range of musical expressions.”
The Doctors in Performance festival conference will take place at the Helsinki Music Centre on 3–5 September 2025. It brings together – and in front of audiences – over 60 performers and speakers from around the world. The event is a unique opportunity to dive into the resonant core of artistic research, offering concerts, discussions and surprising happenings alike.
The Doctors in Performance festival conference, aimed at music performers and researchers, will take place at the Helsinki Music Centre from 3 to 5 September 2025. Now in its sixth edition, the event particularly promotes artistic research. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the sounding core of artistic research, featuring concerts, discussions, and surprises. The keynote speakers are Professor Kristiina Ilmonen (Folk Music, Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki) and Dr Inja Stanović (Department of Music and Media, University of Surrey). Registration for the event is open until 24 August 2025.