This spring, Danae Theodoridou is collaborating with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel for the third edition of Kennisnesten, a participatory programme that brings together art, science and societal reflection. Her contribution focuses on the question of how art can help deepen the relationship between citizens and democratic institutions. Theodoridou is known for her research into how democracy is expressed through language, emotions, embodiment and shared spaces — an approach that forms the foundation of this new edition.
Kennisnesten is an initiative fully developed within the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, which annually runs an interdisciplinary programme. This year, the focus is on “The Practice of Democracy.” Participants are encouraged to view democracy not only as an institutional system but also as something that manifests in everyday actions and interactions.
Within this framework, Danae Theodoridou is leading a four-day workshop titled Performing the Public Body Through Art. The sessions explore how artistic and research-based methods can contribute to a more meaningful relationship between citizens and public institutions. Exercises will focus on body language in public conversations, the role of emotions in interpersonal interactions, and the ways in which language and shared space influence participation. The workshop takes place on 24 April, 8 May, 22 May and 29 May 2026, and is open to participants aged sixteen and over via an open call, with 35 places available.
In addition to the adult programme, Kennisnesten once again offers a track for young people aged sixteen to twenty. In April, workshops will be held at GO Campus Kompas Schaarbeek, followed by sessions in May at GO Atheneum Brussel. The youth programme explores democracy through movement, language and collective exercises, with a consistent focus on mutual exchange.
The scientific embedding of Kennisnesten #3 is provided by the BriAS programme “Democratic Governance: Challenges and Innovations.” Researchers Silvia Erzeel (VUB) and Emilie Van Haute (ULB) are closely involved, together with Junior Fellows Paulina Grippa and Nino Junios. At the end of the programme, a podcast will be recorded in which the researchers reflect on the process and findings. The project receives funding from Innoviris.
More information about Kennisnesten can also be found here.