About Field Studies

Field Studies is a unique transdisciplinary summer school exploring the voice, embodiment, and collective work in contemporary art and performance. Led by an international group of artists and practitioners, the programme creates a radically open-minded and dynamic environment for artists to meet and work alongside other creatives, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of their practice.

A Choral Method: Musarc at LUCA, April 2025. Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

A Choral Method

Field Studies is organised by experimental choral collective Musarc in collaboration with LUCA School of Arts, Ghent. The programme alternates between open workshops, talks and performances by artists and visiting lecturers, and collective practice in smaller studios where students and tutors work towards the realisation of a project which is presented, or performed on the last day of the programme.

What distinguishes Field Studies is its convivial atmosphere, its radically open pedagogy, and its commitment to doing things with theory. The biographies of the tutors and artists, their respective interests and diverse fields of practice form a starting point. The city, space for shared activities, including eating together, provide infrastructure. The final outcome is unknown at the beginning, and constructed from the individual histories and intentions of students and artists, the ideas and skills they bring, and the material and social interactions that emerge in between.

Field Studies is part of the creative universe and research output of experimental choral ensemble Musarc and its extensive network of artists, composers and singers. Questions around movement, embodiment and technique; the collective voice of the choir and its political and aesthetic dimension; rhythm, repetition and practice; and the idea of knowledge set in motion through performance and a common choreography fundamentally underlie Field Studies as a methodology.

Programme

Field Studies starts on Wednesday 10 September 11am and ends at 3pm on Sunday 14 September 2025. The programme alternates between shared workshops and activities, talks and lectures by the artists, studio practice, visits and satellite events in the city and partnering institutions. A detailed evening programme of public events will be announced early August 2025. Click here to preview the Field Studies 2025 Timetable (general).

Application

Field Studies is open to anyone interested to join. It invites applications from students and practitioners who want to test collaborative and performative processes in relation to a broad range of individual disciplines, from music and composition to fine art and design, architecture, film, poetry, time-based arts as well as curatorial practices and the field of education. To find out more about course fees and how to apply, click here.

Partners

Field Studies is organised by Musarc and curated by the ensemble’s creative director Joseph Kohlmaier. Musarc is part of CREATURE, the Centre for Creative Arts, Cultures and Engagement and the School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University. Field Studies 2025 is presented in collaboration with, and generously supported by Luca School of Arts, Ghent.