Artful Participation

Symphonic orchestras worldwide are trying to connect with their audiences in new ways. Innovating a musical practice with a rich history and cherished rituals is challenging however. How can orchestras engage with audiences in artistically meaningful ways? What does the innovation of audience participation mean for musicians, programmers, marketeers, researchers and audience members themselves?Experimenting with audience participation involves more than marketing strategies or new concert formats. When trying to innovate audience participation, all parts of the machinery of the orchestra start to squeak and grind. From the skills that musicians and staff need to deviate from their routines, to the criteria that evaluate the success of concerts.This website is based on the four-year project Artful Participation (2017-2021) funded by the NWO-SIA Smart Culture programme. It presents experiments, shares research and insights, and offers practical exercises