The Self-Curating Musician: An Innovative Concept and an Intensive Learning Experience by Systemic Design Thinking

Authors

Joris Blanckaert, KASK & Conservatory Ghent, BelgiumFollow
Ellen Loots, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the NetherlandsFollow
Saskia Westerduin, KASK & Conservatory Ghent, BelgiumFollow
Pawan V. Bhansing, Hogeschool Inholland, the Hague, the NetherlandsFollow

Abstract

Self-curation is an emerging notion in the artistic practice that we propose as an alternative to the questioned notion of entrepreneurship in the realm of classical music. Systemic Design Thinking (SDT) methods helped conceptualize self-curation and develop an intensive, week-long learning experience. Participants validated the self-curation concept and its five components: activating creativity, seeking uniqueness, developing a discourse, understanding the performance practice and engaging communities. Our study further highlights that rather than suffering from a tension between arts and commerce, young (performing) musicians experience a tension between the expectation of the outside world that they need to be exceptional as an artist, and the inner desire of being a typical worker with regular working conditions and ‘normal lives’. The awareness that someone can manifest the creativity that someone already possesses and that someone belongs to an artistic community alleviates the pressure experienced in the transition from education to work. We develop insights into multifaceted and challenging self-curation careers.

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their heartfelt thanks to the participants and contributors of the SeCuM program, whose involvement and dedication have been invaluable. They wish to express their gratitude to the partners from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Athens Conservatoire (Greece), School of Music and Performing Arts of Porto (Portugal), and CODARTS Rotterdam (the Netherlands) for their collaboration and support. This project has been made possible with funding from the European Commission under the Music Moves Europe program (grant EAC/S21/2019). The authors are particularly honored to have received the Sharon T. Alpi Award for Innovative Arts Entrepreneurship Pedagogy in 2024 from the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education (SAEE).

Recommended Citation

Blanckaert, Joris; Loots, Ellen; Westerduin, Saskia; and Bhansing, Pawan V. (2025) "The Self-Curating Musician: An Innovative Concept and an Intensive Learning Experience by Systemic Design Thinking," Journal of Arts Entrepreneurship Education: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46776/2693-7271.1036
Available at: https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/jaee/vol4/iss1/5