Research has gained increasing importance in art and design practice in recent decades and is an integral component of the learning culture at the Royal Academy of Art (KABK), The Hague.

Philosopher Donald Schön coined the term 'The Reflective Practitioner' in his seminal 1983 book of the same name, a concept that deeply influences 21st-century artists and designers. It illustrates that their expertise should include an understanding of context — their artistic position and how their work relates to the world and to the work of others.

There is a strong focus on research within the study programmes at the KABK. Many of the tutors at the KABK have their own research practices. The two lectorates (Lectorate Art Theory & Practice and Lectorate Design) play an important role in nurturing and coordinating research by tutors, and in developing the research aspects of the curricula.

The particular character of research at the KABK is defined by its intensive collaboration with Leiden University. Through these activities the KABK aims to contribute to the discourse and practice of research-driven art and design. The outcomes of research by students and staff are shared through multiple channels including exhibitions, performances, publications, and symposia.

Three types of research

At the KABK three different types of research can be distinguished:

  • Research into art or design, such as art or design history, musicology, and (reception) aesthetics.
  • Research for or for the benefit of artistic or design practice, such as the development of new technology, form and material research and research into themes of public relevance.
  • Research in and through art or design, i.e. research by artists (artistic research) and designers (design research, research through design) via the artist’s or designer’s own work and practice.

Artistic research

Artistic research is a relatively young discipline that was born in response to an increasing engagement of both artists/designers and theorists with the theoretical aspect of artistic or design practice, and the cognitive function of art or design work. In this discipline art and design become a way of learning about reality. Artistic research is distinguishable from other forms of academic research by the central role of artistic or design practice.

Research questions derive from the artistic or design practice of the researcher, and research methods are characterised by the use of artistic or design practice and materials. The results of these projects contribute to the growing body of artistic academic discourse, as well as the artist or designer's individual practice.

What makes artistic research such a diverse and exciting discipline is that each project is individual, originating from the unique research question, methods, and creative practice of the artist/designer. These qualities are manifest in the art works, design outcomes, and the knowledge, experiences, and understanding obtained through this work.