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Sandy Claes

Top university

4 months ago

Stories-In-Between: Establishing Hybrid Spatial Storytelling Strategies (PhD Position) KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Communication Studies

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

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Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

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Where to contact

Official Email

Keywords

Communication Studies
Media Studies
Art
Digital Media
Audience Engagement
Interactive Technology
Arts-based Research
Public Space
Public Art
Design
mobile vr ar

About this position

This PhD position, titled 'Stories-In-Between: Establishing Hybrid Spatial Storytelling Strategies,' is offered by KU Leuven in collaboration with LUCA School of Arts, within the research cluster Mediated Environments. The project investigates innovative forms of storytelling that merge physical and virtual spaces, aiming to engage young people with pressing societal themes. The doctoral researcher will employ a Research-through-Design approach, developing hybrid installations that integrate physical space, digital layers, and audience interaction. Artistic experiments, co-creation workshops with youth, and public interventions will be central methods, exploring how technologically advanced and socially meaningful stories can be created. The outcomes will include artistic realizations, academic publications, and a design vocabulary to inspire future practitioners and researchers in hybrid spatial storytelling. The position offers supervision by an interdisciplinary team, access to the Spatial Computing Lab, and support for artistic production. The working environment is creative and collaborative, based in Brussels, with opportunities to engage with cultural and urban partners. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in audiovisual or visual arts, design, or a related field, and a strong background in artistic research focused on storytelling, spatial design, or interactive media. Interest in public space, digital media, and societal themes is essential, as is experience with or willingness to learn AR/VR, interactive installations, or hybrid performance. The position is fully funded for four years, with active participation in international conferences, exhibitions, and publications. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a respectful and supportive environment for all researchers. The application deadline is November 12, 2025. For more information, candidates may contact Prof. dr. Sandy Claes or Prof. dr. Alexandre Saunier.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in audiovisual or visual arts, design, or a related discipline. They should demonstrate a strong artistic research practice focused on storytelling, spatial design, or interactive media. Interest in the intersection of public space, digital media, and societal themes is required. Experience with, or willingness to learn, AR/VR, interactive installations, or hybrid performance tools and methods is expected. Candidates must possess critical reflection and academic writing skills, and be motivated to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

How to apply

Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal using the provided application link. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Sandy Claes or Prof. dr. Alexandre Saunier by email. Prepare application materials demonstrating your artistic research practice and motivation for interdisciplinary work.

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