Anu Lampela, Director of the Open Campus at the University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki), is championing the vital role of artistic research in modern society. As co-organiser of the upcoming Doctors in Performance festival conference this September, Lampela emphasizes that artistic research is no longer confined to silent studio reflection — it is now a powerful, communicative tool for societal change.
“Research must serve the artist and be shareable,” says Lampela. “Art builds — it doesn’t break. It increases well-being and carries meaning that we must learn to articulate.”
The Doctors in Performance event, returning to its roots at Uniarts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy, brings together international performers and researchers. It offers concerts, discussions, and insights into the evolving field of artistic research, highlighting its role in education, intangible value creation, and international collaboration.
The festival, running 3–5 September 2025 at the Helsinki Music Centre, will feature keynote speakers Professor Kristiina Ilmonen and Dr. Inja Stanović, and is designed to foster early-career networking and cross-cultural dialogue.
Lampela sees artistic research not only as a scholarly pursuit but also as a vital part of shaping a more empathetic and interconnected world.
Source: University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki)
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