Key factors for taking a position in discussions of artistic research: conflicts and challenges of a multiple, changing and inquisitive knowledge. Spanish context (1978-2017)

The current situation of artistic research continues to pose multiple conflicts and debates that show the disengagement of the last few decades between the strategies of university policies and the stubborn reality of artistic research practices. In order to relocate positions on these conflicts and the current challenges, there is a re-reading of the debates on the Spanish artistic research since 1978. Back then, the artistic teachings were incorporated into the university system in Spain until today. The proposal was to display a timeline to locate the links between university policies and some relevant debates, through events and publications of this period. These data point to some of the key aspects that identify the most relevant and recurring conflicts in artistic research, epistemological issues (object of research, terminology and methodology) and their controversial assessment and financing criteria (linked to recognition of the formats and circuits of diffusion, temporalities, affiliation to institutions, etc.). Also, other issues that have been considered secondary or marginal (such as the working conditions of researchers, the precariousness of the artistic sector and research in humanities or the privatisation and commercialism of knowledge and culture). Finally, we propose some questions to consider in order to take a position on the current challenges, which should take into account the multiple, changing and questioning nature of artistic knowledge.