Research Matters. A Summit for Artistic Research in Craft

SCHMUCK München is launching Research matters #1 during IHM 2027. A summit for artistic research in craft during IHM 2027, which will take place on March 11, 2027, from 11:00 to 14:00 at the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria.

This one-day seminar invites researcher-artists across the diverse fields and disciplines of craft to submit proposals on their recent projects. Specifically, the seminar is looking for craft practices that engage with cultural, social, environmental, economic, political, technological and/or educational contexts and aim at generating insights into these topics. The seminar seeks to gather craft researchers who explore how the specific ways of making inherent to craft can foster debates, produce knowledge and expand the domains in which craft can act and activate.

A total of four presentations will be selected. Each presentation will consist of a 20’ talk followed by a 10’ Q&A. A Publication on our Instagram channel will be provided. We also welcome examples of your work or working process in the form of artefacts or work samples, which will be presented as part of the summit.

Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained their PhD no later than 2022 (i.e 2022-2026) or be completing their artistic research within 2027 (last year). The seminar welcomes research projects with a strong grounding in craft making and expertise, including but not limited to wood, textiles, jewellery, glass, paper, ceramics, metal, leather, and stone.

Applications focused solely on historical, theoretical, and/or curatorial research will not be considered. The seminar is specifically aimed at craft practitioners whose artistic research is rooted in making, developing concepts and content within applied material practice.

How to apply
Please submit all of the following materials compiled into one single PDF: 
- 3 keywords that contextualize your research.
- Abstract (max. 400 words).
- Bio (max. 150 words).
- 5 images: 3 work photographs, 1 profile image, and 1 image documenting your making process.
- PhD programme, academic affiliation & year.

Submission Guidelines
Please send your application as described below by 30 November 2026 to this email: research.matters@hwk-muenchen.de.

Selections will be announced on the 15th of January 2027.

Organised by Claudia Lassner, Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria, in cooperation with Vivi Touloumidi, PhD.