In times of major global challenges such as conflicts or the climate crisis, the question of social responsibility and engagement of music and art universities is becoming increasingly important. Music and art universities can act as role models in becoming institutions that live values such as diversity, pluralism, equality, democracy and solidarity. As such, they can support students in becoming critical, reflective and questioning individuals willing and able to bring about change.
For this reason, we have the specific objective to strengthen the service to society provided by the IN.TUNE partners through the creation of joint strategies and programmes in the various areas of societal engagement. Our five Working Groups (WGs) are developing these strategies and programmes in the areas of a) Lifelong Learning for professionals, b) Employability, Professional Integration and Sustainable Careers, c) Audience Engagement and Cultural Citizenship, d) Diversity and Inclusion, and e) various dimensions of Sustainability.
In the WG “Lifelong Learning for professionals” we have created an inventory of existing Lifelong Learning courses for professionals offered by IN.TUNE partners and a plan on how to use the cooperation in the alliance to jointly develop and implement new courses during 2026 and 2027.
How are our IN.TUNE partners addressing entrepreneurship and career skills within existing study programmes? The WG “Employability, Professional integration and Sustainable Careers” has examined this question and prepared a proposal for joint (online) courses and resources in the areas of entrepreneurship and career skills to be implemented in 2026.
Audience engagement and support to Cultural Citizenship need to be addressed in study programmes (i.e. empowering musicians to be active in hospitals, refugee shelters, retirement homes, etc.). Our WG “Audience Engagement and Cultural Citizenship” has screened existing study programmes at the universities and is exploring how alliance partners are currently engaging with local and regional audiences, and stakeholders through their activities.
The WG “Diversity and Inclusion” has discussed ways to enhance more diverse and inclusive learning environments by discussion matters of equity, diversity, inclusion and gender equality, specifically in the context of the institutions, as well as different forms of sustainable practices. We are looking into existing institutional policies on diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, including an exploration of their scope and definitions used.
As part of its focus on societal engagement, IN,TUNE will set up:
· jointly developed new Lifelong Learning courses
· joint (online) courses in the areas of entrepreneurship and career skills
· transnational internships and placements for students in the cultural and creative sector
· trainings for communication and concert production teams
· joint intensive training courses in the area of socially engaged practice (i.e. Entrepreneurial Bootcamps)
· short trainings for staff responsible for diversity and inclusion
· short trainings for staff responsible for sustainability
· Gerda Müller, Vice-Rector for Organizational Development, Gender & Diversity, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (mdw), Chair
· Sigrid Røyseng, Professor of Cultural Sociology, Norges musikkhøgskole (NMH)
· Verona Maier, Vice-Rector for Artistic Activities, Scholarships and Alumni Club, Universitatea Națională de Muzică din București (UNMB)
· Sabine Alexandre, Post-graduate, Professionalization and Outreach Manager, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP)
· Katja Thomson, Lecturer in Music Education, Taideyliopisto – Sibelius-Akatemia (UNIARTS)
· Enric Guaus, Professor at Technologies and Music Management Department, Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Barcelona (ESMUC)
· Isa Goldschmeding, Coordinator New Audiences & Innovative Practice, Stichting Hogeschool der Kunsten Den Haag – Koninklijk Conservatorium (HdK)
· Maja Smiljanić Radić, Professor of Organ, Head of the Poly-instrumental Department, Fakultet muzičke umetnosti, Univerzitet umetnosti u Beogradu
· Filip Babić, IN.TUNE Student Council member, Taideyliopisto – Sibelius-Akatemia (UNIARTS)