ARTISTIC PRACTICE LABORATORIES IN THE COMMUNITY: TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES THAT FOSTER INTERLEARN-ING AND INTERCULTURALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The verticality in education has faced significant scrutiny over time, much like its unilateral teaching paradigms that arise from the social and economic hegemony of those deemed credible holders of knowledge. This is also true in the artistic and cultural fields. In this context, as an alternative, we present the systematization of an experience that addresses a cross-cutting subject in the artistic training of professionals at the Universidad de las Artes in Ecuador. This approach, utilizing a methodology along with providing technical tools for fieldwork, enables immersive processes in peripheral areas of the city, such as neighborhoods or communities. Here, the articulation and intertwining of academia with society in situ-based on the principle of a dialogue of knowledge-creates a conducive environment for fostering inter-learning. This is achieved by sharing the expertise of all participants involved in the process while simultaneously allowing for an intercultural experience that transforms perceptions, visions, aesthetics, and social commitments. This transformation arises from engaging with new realities and human groups who find in artistic and cultural practices an educational means to convey and make visible their culture.