MMRC 2026 Symposium Between Research and Activism: Futures of Music and Minority Studies – 12-14 february 2026

Between Research and Activism: Futures of Music and Minority Studies

The Music and Minorities Research Center (MMRC) enters its next phase with the international symposium “Between Research and Activism: Futures of Music and Minority Studies” (February 12–14, 2026, Fanny Hensel Hall and other locations, mdw). Founded in 2019, the MMRC celebrates its seventh anniversary by bringing together researchers, musicians, and non-academics for three days of panels, roundtables, artistic-activist discussions, and musical performances.

The symposium explores research approaches into music and minority communities at the intersection of academic scholarship and socially engaged, activist research. It aims to examine current developments, anticipate future directions, and foster collaborative synergies. Grounded in the MMRC’s core principles – committed research, dialogical knowledge production, and critical reflection on power imbalances – the event emphasizes participatory formats that encourage the active involvement of all attendees.

Symposium and Future Directions

Over three days, the symposium will reflect on recent developments in music and minority research both locally, at the MMRC, and internationally. Central to the program is an exploration of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of research, artistic practice, and social engagement.

The event features a variety of formats that engage both the past and the future. Two roundtables will examine the MMRC’s previous projects with current and former research fellows, highlighting the unique contributions of each project as well as shared themes. A key roundtable, moderated by Ursula Hemetek, will bring together the MMRC’s international advisory board—Georgia Curran (University of Sydney), Marko Kölbl (mdw), Svanibor Pettan (University of Ljubljana), Mayco Santaella (Sunway University), and Deborah Wong (University of California, Los Angeles)—to discuss global perspectives on current issues in the field.

Two roundtable discussions will focus on artistic-activist perspectives, including one curated by the NGO Initiative Minderheiten (IM). Additionally, there will be three paper presentation sessions, during which scholars will present their current projects and research. Concerts will present local and global music, and the event will conclude with a collective celebration of music and dance. The symposium “Between Research and Activism: Futures of Music and Minority Studies” thus outlines a future for minority studies that builds on a successful past and leads the MMRC into a new phase of its work through local anchoring and international dialogue.

Programme:

Programme (overview) | MMRC – Music and Minorities Research Center

 

Time and date:

Thursday–Saturday, February 12–14, 2026
Full day programme with Panels, Roundtables & Concerts
Food and Drinks provided by the host!

Locations:

mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

Anton-von-Webern-Platz 1, 1030 Vienna

• Fanny-Hensel-Hall
• Banquet Hall
• Concert Hall, Future Art Lab

Brunnenpassage (closing party)

• Brunnengasse 71, at Yppenplatz, 1160

and online: via mdw stream

The locations are wheelchair accessible!

Event registration for on-site participation or online via mdw stream:

>> Registration form: MMRC 2026 Symposium

Registration for the concert only:

>> Concert registration (13.02.2026; 18:30): Sonic Encounters

Streaming link:

Livestream: Between Research and Activism: Futures of Music and Minority Studies – mdw Mediathek

Website:

Symposium 2026: Between Research and Activism | MMRC – Music and Minorities Research Center

 

For further questions and support, please don’t hesitate to contact us: mmrc@mdw.ac.at

We are looking forward to the event with great excitement and to your participation!