DEEP DIALOGUE is coordinated by Lund University and has a total budget of approximately EUR 3.5 million. The project brings together 14 partner organisations across the EU, Ukraine, and Canada to tackle some of Europe's most pressing democratic challenges: polarization, extremism, hate speech, and disinformation, with a particular focus on young people.
Broad cooperation across faculty boundaries
At Lund University, the project is led by Anamaria Dutceac Segesten, Senior Lecturer in European Studies and Vice-Dean for Research at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology. The project will be based at the Centre for Languages and Literature and involves several parts of the university, including the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies, the Department of Communication and Media at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Malmö Academy of Music. Representing the Malmö Academy of Music is Iveri Kekenadze Gustafsson, Lecturer in Society Engaged Music.
DEEP DIALOGUE examines when and how polarization can develop into radicalization, testing dialogue-based methods to strengthen democratic participation, trust, and social resilience. The research combines comparative studies—including surveys, social media analysis, and qualitative studies—with applied innovation and outreach activities.
Artistic citizenship in focus
For the Malmö Academy of Music, the project connects with the growing field of artistic citizenship. By highlighting the role of universities and higher arts education institutions as active agents in democratic life, new opportunities are created for both students and staff. They will have the chance to participate in dialogue formats, dissemination activities, and cross-sector collaboration where artistic practice is intertwined with community engagement and social impact.
The initiative also strengthens internal collaboration between Lund University's Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts, Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology. At the same time, it provides the Malmö Academy of Music with valuable experience in participating in large-scale EU research projects. This builds capacity and paves the way for future interdisciplinary and externally funded projects within community-engaged music, artistic citizenship, and higher music education.