16th October 2025
Villa DeLuxe, Växjö
Objectives:
—Design a science café-style event around the theme of Listening and sustainable health, combining artistic and research perspectives and opening space for joint reflection among all participants.
—Guide participants through practical exercises, discussion, and experience-sharing led by artists, exploring different aspects of listening.
—Focus on the transformative power of listening by bringing together theory and embodied activity, collecting personal experiences, and reflecting on how listening affects research practices and engagement with both inner and outer environments.
The Café was designed as an intimate, invitation-only gathering bringing together participants from the three core groups of the project — researchers, artists, and civic society — in order to create a space for close dialogue and trust-building. Conversations with participants ahead of the event helped shape the programme and ensured that the discussions responded to their interests and expectations.
Quotes that Stuck With Us
Berit Linden, citizen:
“The café offered a warm and welcoming space for conversation, with the artist creating a pleasant atmosphere. I feel that connecting and engaging with new people is deeply meaningful. Keep it up!”
Chiara Lenza, researcher:
“Coming together in this way, in this constellation, represents true transdisciplinarity and underscores the importance of incorporating non-academic knowledge as well.”
Hanna Andersson, citizen:
“For me, it became a nice break to step out of my regular work and engage in a more artistic experience. I became aware of how little I use my senses in my work, and I hope I can carry that awareness with me going forward.”
Who Came, What Emerged
The event opened with the Cultural University introducing Rock Your Research, followed by researchers presenting work in the knowledge environment Sustainable health. The artistic programme, led by artist-in-residence Brandon LaBelle, combined presentations, discussion, and hands-on exercises inspired by his artistic practice and the researchers’ work.
The artistic programme was led by artist-in-residence Brandon LaBelle. Brandon LaBelle initiated a dialogue with the Sustainable Health steering group and designed the Café set-up based on his artistic practice and the researchers’ work. The programme combined presentations, discussion, and hands-on listening exercises inspired by both artistic inquiry and scientific research.
In total, the Café brought together 16 participants: 7 researchers from health and care sciences, management, and design; 3 artists, with Brandon LaBelle playing a central role in shaping the experience; and 6 members of civic society, including representatives from a civic movement organisation, a local therapists’ association, a regional innovation platform, and members of the general public.
