“Towards Documentary Choreography - Intermedial Approaches in Working with Extra-Aesthetic Materials” is the title of Arkadi Zaides’ PhD research project, which is conducted as a practice-based joint PhD between the University of Antwerp, The Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, the University of Ghent and KASK/School of Arts (HoGent). The project will run from 2021 to 2025 and will consist of a series of workshops, lectures, publications, master classes, and performances that explore the concept and practice of ‘documentary choreography’.

DOCUMENTARY CHOREOGRAPHY

This multifaceted research is encompassed by the term 'documentary choreography,' which refers to a choreographic approach integrating documents—such as interviews, testimonies, video materials, and archival information—as sources of factual information to challenge and address social and political realities. By merging these documents with embodied practices, documentary choreography strives to transcend the artistic realm and actively engage with the political sphere. Through the articulation and exploration of 'documentary choreography,' Arkadi Zaides reflects on his artistic endeavors over the past decade. This process also fosters connections with other practitioners and scholars who share similar interests, thereby cultivating a collaborative network within this field.

NECROPOLIS UNITED

The Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) Medium Scale Research Infrastructure Project, Necropolis United, aims to develop an integrated, sustainable, open-source virtual memorial commemorating migrants' deaths in Europe. Its primary goal is to engage concerned communities in the memorial's creation. The project employs "Multilingual Encounters" as its methodological approach, bringing together consortium members with representatives from migrant and activist communities. Necropolis United critically assesses technology's role, often used for surveillance and impacting the lives (and deaths) of those it intends to support. Consequently, it seeks to be a nexus for communities of knowledge, allowing diverse groups to influence both the methodology and outcomes of the forthcoming virtual platform.

The Necropolis United extended consortium includes Prof. Dr. Christel Stalpaert (supervisor); Dr. Martin Zícari (coordinator); Geert Ates (for United for Intercultural Action network); Pierre Marchand, Pacôme Beru, and Julie Vanderhaeghen (for Atelier Cartographique);