Research theme: Community, Culture and Heritage

About our research

In the Community, Culture and Heritage group, we focus on the relationship between design or craft practices and artefacts, places and people. We use materials as an agent for change, as testimony and as an activist voice, often in relation to place or to current events. Sustainability is central to how we move forward.

We examine identity and society — who we are, where we come from, and our relationship with the world and each other — through material practice. Engagement with diverse cultures and their heritage, marginalised groups and displaced people is key to our research.

Our projects aim to:

• empower communities

• work with neighbourhoods

• raise awareness of social justice

• promote cultural inclusion, equality, diversity and alternative ways of being

• use socially engaged research methods

We view collaboration as a means of connection. Co-creation and co-production methods develop a better understanding of the social impact of craft and design.

We challenge fixed assumptions about identity, culture and cross-cultural exchange. Our practice encourages co-operative ventures and participation.

Drawing on histories and traditions to examine the past and its relevance to the present is a common theme of many of our research projects. We often work with archives, collections, institutions and communities. We have strong links across the University, as well as to poets, historians, social scientists and education.

We are interested in hearing from potential PhD candidates with proposals in the areas we cover.

Get in touch about PhD study.

Our research areas

Through design and craft, we explore how to:

• reclaim lost or hidden identity
• sustain skills
• practise knowledge-based ways of making
• support heritage practices