Representatives from the d@rts project continued to disseminate the project findings and activities at a variety of events all over Europe.
d@rts at EPARM
On 4 April, d@rts was presented at EPARM 2025, the AEC’s European Platform for Artistic Research, held at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Tallinn. During the Information Forum, Alessandra Callegari (AEC Communication Manager) outlined the project’s main goals and work plan, sharing perspectives on its development and engaging with Artistic Research professionals to spark new collaborations. The following Information Market allowed participants to learn more, ask questions, and connect around the project’s commitment to social inclusion through art education.
d@rts at the SIMM Research Seminar
During the 9th SIMM (Social Impact of Making Music) Seminar, held from 9 to 11 May 2025 at the contemporary music ensemble MusikFabrik in Cologne, scholars gathered to exchange experiences, ideas, and research on the role of music composition within social and community-based projects. On this occasion, Christian Rolle and Ronja Kampschulte from the University of Cologne were there to present the d@rts project, sharing insights from Work Packages 3 and 4, contributing to lively discussions on participatory research, ethics, and the transformative potential of compositional artistic practices and arts-based methods. Their presentation helped spark reflections on rethinking roles, redefining practices, and reinforcing the power of the arts in fostering inclusive communities.
d@rts at the EAS Conference
From 4 to 7 June 2025, d@rts made its way to Évora, Portugal, for the EAS–ISME Conference, hosted by the Universidade de Évora. Researchers Runa Hestad Jenssen, Kristie Mortimer, Julia Ehninger, and Michael Ahlers contributed to the vibrant international gathering, using it as a platform to share emerging ideas, gain feedback, and deepen European collaborations, showcasing the core of dialoguing@rts. During a dedicated round table session, the team explored how performing arts education—through music, dance, and drama—can foster cultural literacy as a dialogical and inclusive practice. Drawing on case studies, a literature review, and audience interaction, the session invited participants to reflect on their own experiences and the challenges of embedding cultural literacy in arts education.
d@rts at the Conference of the International Association for Intercultural Education
On 11 June, the d@rts project made a vibrant stop in Budapest at the 2025 Conference of the International Association for Intercultural Education (IAIE).
In a dynamic setting that brought together researchers, educators, and cultural practitioners, Cristina Balloi and the UNIVR team presented the Cultural Literacy Portfolio—an innovative tool designed to foster reflection, self-evaluation, and growth in cultural competencies through arts-based approaches.
Developed within the project’s research framework, the Portfolio is grounded in European competence models and combines both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as reflective diaries, peer assessments, and critical incident analysis. It supports personal development and educational evaluation by helping participants meaningfully track and expand their intercultural awareness and expression. The presentation sparked engaging dialogue around d@rts’ objectives and its contribution to the broader landscape of cultural education in Europe.
