Research is one of the spearheads of the educational policy at the KABK. Research plays an important role not only in art education but also in the artistic practice of KABK tutors. To support tutors in this, in September 2015 the new Research Group of the lectorate Art Theory & Practice took off. The Research Group, chaired by Janneke Wesseling, enables a selected group of tutors to carry out concrete research projects within the framework of their appointments. The nature of the research may be variable, such as: research in and through one’s own practice, research into pedagogy or didactics, practical or technologically oriented research for the benefit of one’s practice, academic research in preparation of an eventual PhD-trajectory. Participants in the Research Group meet on a monthly basis to discuss their research projects, methods, dilemmas and possible outcomes and to present the research process. Participating tutors are expected to share the outcomes of their research projects with the KABK community, in the form of a presentation, publication and/or lecture.

Generally, participating tutors join the Research Group for one year. Every year new participants are invited to apply through a call for proposals.

The new Research Group replaces the former research group or ‘kenniskring’ (2007-2015) of the lectorate.