PhD Study : A Comparative Study - Artists Run Spaces and Organisations and Managed Art Spaces and Organisations in NI/Ireland

Summary

From the 1970s through to the 1990’s there was series of critical, political and creative activities in Belfast that saw the establishment of a significant artists run infrastructure and environment. Initiatives such as the Art and Research Exchange (ARE), inspired in part by the visit of Joseph Beuys and his Northern Ireland workshop of the Free International University was a central catalyst in those early years. ARE was an artist led organisation responding from a marginal position of emerging and early career artists in what Chris Coppock (2006) identified as ‘ideological times’ where social issues and politics had a significant effect on both the philosophy and practice of art. ARE was responding to a significant lack of infrastructure for young artists who were disadvantaged in the hierarchical and conservative arts infrastructure in Northern Ireland at that time. These artists recognised that they needed considerable support and platforms to address the discriminatory and divisive categories of ‘community’ and ‘fine art’ practices and to establish critical dialogues to interrogate the structures and perceptions that perpetuated these divisions and differences. Internationally, artist led initiatives and their critical and discursive conversations, actions and conceptual practices pushed at the boundaries of what were established infrastructure, funding structures, curation and practice accepted in the arts.

On this basis this PhD project proposes a comparative study that takes some of the following questions as a starting point;

*Can a comparison of Artist Run Spaces/Organisations, (I.e. Catalyst Arts, Belfast), with other Managed Arts Spaces/Organisations in Northern Ireland/Ireland, provide insights into their differences and qualities?

*What can we learn from Artist Run Spaces/Organisations in light of the development and establishment of Arts Management, Socio-Economic Policy and Cultural Policies, over the last 30 years in NI/Ireland?

*What differences and distinctions exist between Artists Run Spaces and Organisations, and other Managed Art Spaces and Organisations in NI/Ireland?

*How does the artist’s practice and experience of art practices be shown to influence and contribute to the evolution and running of artists resources, spaces, galleries and organisations within the contemporary visual (Fine) arts sector in NI/Ireland? (What does the experience of contemporary Fine Art Practice enable or provide within the Artist Run sector?

*Can the Artists Run Model provide, or help establish, a sustainable counterpoint to Cultural Management Policies or Socio-Economic Policies for Art and Culture within the area or research?

*How might the Artist Run Model be developed or assisted, supported and sustained, in relation to contemporary and evolving socio-economic agendas within the region of research?

*How might the Artist Run Model best be sustained and supported?

*What socio-economic arguments can be found that support the rational and ethos of the artist run spaces/organisations?

Applications are invited for the PhD project outlined above. This research builds on extensive research and activity in this field and we are interested in receiving proposals to develop a body of research (either a combination of visual and text-based research, or a solely text-based research proposal) for a three-year full time PhD.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living