The ArchiveLab is an artistic-reflexive research laboratory for dance and circus students and/or practitioners, especially Master's students.
The first ArchiveLab took place from 13 to 18 May 2024 in Cologne as part of the CircusDanceFestival, in collaboration with the German Dance Archive Cologne.
The term "archive" is understood as a collection of various materials from the past and present (e.g., physical practices, theoretical texts, visual documents, and objects) that relate to the field of performing arts.
During the lab, the 14 participants from a total of four different countries had time and space to engage with, reflect on, and react to various materials. The first two days took place at the German Dance Archive in Cologne, where certain materials from the archive were made available for analysis.
The remaining days of the lab were held at the CircusDanceFestival, where the participants developed their own artistic and/or reflective approach and were able to apply it to their future practice. The ArchiveLab concluded with a presentation in the form of a walk-in, where participants shared and exhibited their thoughts, ideas, and insights.
The ArchiveLab was led by Dr. Mirjam Hildbrand and Dr. des. Johanna Hilari, both dramaturges and dance/theatre researchers from Switzerland. Both have extensive experience in interweaving critical theory with artistic practices and processes.