Pursuing humour and mischief as engagement beyond empathy against complex violence in Ireland, in its resistance movements - by artistic practice

Summary

This PhD will ask the researcher to test artist and activist methods for working contextually through provocative embodied strategies in response to difficult histories and realities across the Island.

As part of the North South research partnership with NCAD, Ulster University will support this researcher in the development of a practice-based PhD that considers the value of humour and satire in activist art seeking redress or remedy.

Through community partners via the MAC Belfast's 'Mactivate' project, additional existing collections and archives might aid as a resource for alternative histories.

Greater inquiry is required around the role of embodied resistance as outlined in the strategies of 'Cheeky Witnessing' (Fletcher, 2020) developed within abortion campaigns in both the North and South of Ireland and seen also in the campaigns for marriage equality.

We are inviting a PhD researcher to explore the witty provocations, complex subjectivities and embodied nature of performance, protest and collaborative formations of social resistance in Ireland.

Their work may focus on specific creative strategies and thematics or take a broader perspective across a spectrum of practices and focus points.

Key expectations would include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Engage in live projects with affected communities via MACtivate to generate spaces for socially engaged practice as research.
• Think about the protest artefacts in the North and South that may prefigure the raucous elements of recent progressive campaigns.
• Consider the continuing struggles for recognition and redress as active areas of artistic enquiry
• How can hope and humour be utilised in art practice for performative assemblies? (Butler, 2018)
• It will also proffer brave spaces for critical, nuanced and complex conversations around intersectional injustices.

Recognition of art activism as a tool to disarm in the face of injustice will form a research focus and would be a valuable lens for practice-based research.

Experience of art practice in forms such as photography, performance, sculpture will all be considered, depending upon their socially engaged focus.

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• CO-CREATE Ireland

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,403 per annum (with a 3% annual increase) for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  An additional limited travel budget is available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status, or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• Be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.