This course focuses on communication of ideas in different media and how to facilitate collaborative environments. Students will explore different approaches to presenting projects that move beyond traditional presentation formats, emphasizing creativity, connection, interrelatedness and ethical engagement. The course will delve into playful and mindfulness based techniques for involving participants and fostering dialogue with special focus on transdisciplinary communication, collaborative learning, listening as a form of collective practice, and exploring how to speak with groups and communities in ways that build bridges across fields. A key focus will be on the ethical dimensions of presentation and interaction: How do we navigate power dynamics, clarify roles without enforcing hierarchies, and build trust with communities? We will practice how to ‘hold space’ when presenting ideas while also examining how the use of  language and the practice of  listening can foster inclusivity and engagement. By the end of the course, students are equipped with new tools to present their projects with confidence, creativity, and a deep sense of care for the work and the involved participants.

This course is divided into two interlinked parts where part 1 includes the main own preparation work.

1. Materiality of presentation: Reflecting the role and aesthetics of portfolio, slide-show, hand-outs within an overall setting.
2. Facilitating participation: Mindful and Playful approaches to ‘holding space’ for ideas and collaboration.

Modality:

Brief input lectures, Flipped-classroom and formats of feedback (students are expected to prepare tasks prior to that we engage with collaboratively). Exact description of tasks will be provided on the Angewandte base prior to the dates as well as in-between sessions. Mode: on-site and own work

Lecturer: Charlotta Ruth PhD, MFA (facilitation, play, choreography)

charlottaruth.com

Guest Lecturer: Mag. art Jasmin Schaitl, PhD (facilitation, visual art, mindfulness)

jasminschaitl.com

- Continuous attendance and active participation in all labs and lectures.

- Active engagement with individual and collaborative assignments between labs and lectures.

- Written peer reviews of colleagues' work-in-progress material.

- Development of concept, writing of project description and presentation of a transdisciplinary group project.

- Submission of a short written reflection on how the course tools can be embedded in future work and studies.

This course depends on individuals and groups preparing and developing tasks between sessions. Additional time slots in the Angewandte Performance Lab studio are reserved to support this work.