Generating Artistic Materials and Expanding Knowledge: A key goal was to generate unique artistic material by exploring the interplay between choreography, composition and their material and immaterial aspects. Transformation processes, such as the “relaying” concept, were designed and implemented in order to empower participants to engage actively with transitional moments and the creative potential of the in-between. These approaches not only contributed to existing knowledge but also strengthened the position of art as a source of innovation. Developing New Modes of Collaboration: RELAY promoted innovative collaboration by creating handovers between institutions and participants. These handovers enabled each institution and participant to engage in ways that reflected their unique contexts, needs, and capacities. By emphasizing situated knowledge and local awareness, we aimed to foster peer-to-peer learning and established foundations for future sustainable collaborations. Sustaining Transnational Collaborations: We adopted sustainable practices, such as using travel time as work time or reusing artistic material instead of adding new content to encourage reflection on sustainability within creative and institutional processes.
“RELAY - Thinking Artistic Material in Music and Dance” addressed the need for a paradigm shift in arts education and beyond, emphasising sustainability, diversity, and adaptability alongside artistic skills. It questioned how institutions can remain flexible while preparing students for dynamic work environments and promoting critical thinking. It addressed a pressing gap in interdisciplinary collaboration, for example the need for musicians to attune to the dynamics of dance and vice versa. By facilitating exchanges between fields, it explored innovative approaches to co-creation, knowledge transfer, and institutional workflows. RELAY explored sustainable mobility & work practices, developing models for environmentally friendly logistics and advocating for mental well-being in the arts. It also tackled the challenge of balancing globalisation with regional particularities, viewing Europe’s diversity as a strength for innovation. Lastly, the project created "third spaces" for collaboration beyond institutional boundaries, fostering resilient networks essential for the international nature of dance & music. These efforts highlighted the role of artistic practices in driving socio-political innovation, addressing global challenges.