Studio talks are a vital part of artistic practise, from preparatory art schools to academies and further into professional artist life. However, the art world is no exception when it comes to deep-rooted power structures that tend to corrupt communication. How to deal with this issue? How to establish a common space, where the status of the speaker doesn’t obscure the topic; where the struggle to position oneself within a hierarchy can be paused; where dialogue actually nurtures courage, produces diverse perspectives, and sparks insight?

Feedback session reflections at Vårdinge By folkhögskola (adult education in art);
work in progress by graduating student Maria Johansson, May 2019

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In Amsterdam, the university staff at DAS Theatre Master Programme searched to identify the major obstacles in students’ strivings for artistic development. In close collaboration with philosopher Karim Benammar, they developed a methodical toolkit to address precisely these matters. Quoting the website of DAS Academy of Theatre and Dance/Amsterdam University of the Arts:

The central aims for the feedback situations are: to empower the artist who is getting feedback on his or her work, to go beyond the pronouncement of judgments, to allow fundamental criticism, to create a sense of (self-)discipline for the sake of precision and clarity, and, last but not least, to increase the enjoyment of giving and receiving feedback.

For the last few years, I have practised this feedback method in giving, receiving and moderating feedback. It has proven utterly relevant, on various educational levels as well as in peer-to-peer situations. For interested parties, I will happily provide further information.

Learn more about the DAS Theatre feedback method:
A Film About Feedback

(another perspective on Maria Johansson’s work in progress)