Researching performance, performing research - Through the lens of experimentation

The research question underlying this proposal is 'How is musical performance creative?'. We will argue by way of practice-based cases and research, that this is mainly through processes of experimentation. Starting from the consideration that experimentation is inherent to artistic practice and to the processes of music making, we will define artistic experimentation broadly as encompassing the actions that an artist undertakes in developing and constantly renewing personal artistic identity and expertise. Exploring this field has the potential to give greater insight into how art unfolds, and opens new possibilities for artistic practice and reception.

The title 'Researching performance, performing research' refers to the complex and intricate relationship between artistic endeavor and artistic manifestation. At a metalevel, it also refers to the need for reflection and development of a discourse on these - often tacit - relationships.
'Researching performance' starts from the hypothesis that no performance attains its full potential without a thorough investigation of the artistic act.
'Performing research' means that the outcome of the artistic investigation is a manifestation based on critical and self-reflective evaluations and decisions - a performance conflates/coincides in a certain sense with 'performing research'. Adding the sub-title 'through the lens of experimentation', focuses in on the essentials of both research and performance. Our hypothesis is that experimentation is one important key to creative performance.