Research group Participation and Urban Development

Participation in sports and exercise activities is a good way for many people to actively participate in society. Sports and exercise also contribute to the well-being of people. Social, pedagogical and educational professionals are becoming more aware of this fact and are therefore increasingly using sport as a means.

In this line of research, we study the social value(s) of sporting activities. How can professionals best use sports and exercise to promote social participation?

By participating in artistic and creative activities, people can make a positive contribution to society. But how can professionals consciously use these activities to encourage people to meet and to participate more in society?

This is the primary focus of this line of research. We study how social, pedagogical and educational professionals might employ forms of art and creativity to get more people to participate in society and to make art and culture accessible to everyone.

Within this line of research, we look at the role that professionals can play in the development of sustainable communities in the city in terms of well-being, upbringing and education. We are interested in how we can give shape to change processes, together with lecturers, community workers, youth workers, teachers, parents, youth and other stakeholders.

Environments where we conduct research include schools, neighbourhoods and districts. We prefer to develop participatory forms of practice-based research, including (participatory) action research, design research and Arts-Based Research.