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 also objects) that relate to the field of performing arts.
During the lab, the 14 participants from a total of 4 different countries had time and space to engage with, reflect on and react to different materials. The first two days took place at the German Dance Archive in Cologne, where certain materials from the archive were available and could be analysed.
The other days of the lab took place at the CircusDanceFestival, where the participants developed their own artistic and/or reflexive approach and were able to transfer it to their future practice. The ArchiveLab concluded with a presentation in the form of a walk-in where participants could share and exhibit 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 significant experience in interweaving methods and methodologies of critical theory with artistic practices and processes.