— In Theory and in Practice
COURSE OFFERED SPRING 2027
Course levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Course Faculty: Prof. Dr Axel Petri-Preis
Contact: petri-preis@mdw.ac.at
University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Participation in the Arts — In Theory and in Practice
COURSE DESCRIPTION
What does it mean for audiences and communities to actively participate in the arts rather than simply consume them?
This course invites students to explore participation as one of the most important and dynamic ideas shaping contemporary artistic practice. Through a combination of theory, discussion, and project development, participants will examine how artists engage with communities, foster inclusion, and create meaningful cultural experiences.
Drawing on influential thinkers and real-world examples from participatory and community arts, students will investigate concepts such as cultural democracy, artistic citizenship, civic imagination, and community engagement through music. They will critically reflect on their own role as artists in society while developing practical tools for designing participatory artistic projects.
Ideal for performers, composers, educators, and artistic researchers, this course offers an opportunity to connect artistic excellence with social impact and to imagine new ways in which music and the arts can contribute to more inclusive and engaged communities.
Course Format:
- live online sessions (beginning, midpoint, and conclusion of the course)
- 5 asynchronous learning units
- Independent and collaborative project work between sessions
Assessment:
- Active participation in live discussions (30%)
- Written assignments, presentations, and project work (70%)
Topics Include:
- Participatory Arts and Community Arts
- Artistic Citizenship and Artizenship
- Musicians as Makers in Society
- Music-Making and the Civic Imagination
- Cultural Democracy
- Community Engagement and Community Building through Music
- Ethics and Aesthetics of Participation
- Developing Participatory Arts Projects
Tutorial Support:
- Written and verbal feedback throughout the course
- Peer-learning activities and collaborative discussions
- Small-group breakout sessions during live meetings
Credits: 2 ECTS / 2 US Credits
Maximum Participants: 20 students