PhD Study : Re-framing Troubles Art from a new perspective: Examining expressions of identity, use of symbolism through analysis of public creative outputs of areas of higher and lower socio-economic deprivation in Northern Ireland

Summary

McAvera (1987) refers to artists being ‘the antennae of the race’ – contributing to identity formation in a mirror-like way, allowing people to look at themselves and reinforce entrenched positioning along the lines of collective identity and belonging. The Faculty of AHSS disciplines share an understanding that ‘participation’ is a way to increase ‘diversity and interaction’ (Wagenaar 2006). PfG and DfC draft plans maintain acute interest in ‘Troubles’ subject knowledge because service recipients remain more likely to be from areas of higher economic deprivation with associated physical/mental health and welfare inequalities (Bywaters 2018). The Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey (2012) noted ‘there was a clear link between specific conflict experience and higher deprivation rates’ Tomlinson (2016:111)

Scope: Working definition of ‘Troubles Art’ will be defined at the outset and focus on creative outputs disseminated in the public realm including artist-led and community generated visual art for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor placement. The research will extend existing documentation of murals, adding to understanding of imagery, materiality and significance as aligned to reinforcement of identity and ‘story’ in the geo-political area they are presented.

(1) Geo-political perspective using socio-economic deprivation levels and prevalence levels across socio-economic areas. Existing literature would hypothesise that there will be less overtly ‘Troubles’ related public realm art in areas of low-deprivation than in areas of high-deprivation. To catalogue and understand Troubles Art in areas of high and low deprivation, the methodology will unite phenomenon and visual content analysis with NISRAs categorisation of the top 100 areas of high deprivation.  https://www.nisra.gov.uk/sites/nisra.gov.uk/files/publications/Top%20100%20SOAs.pdf

(2) Meaning: A cross-sectional survey using post-code analysis and questions on religion and ethnic identity will ensure representation of all communities in NI. We hypothesise that areas of high deprivation may have a reinforced a sense of belonging, identity and ‘re-told stories’ that possibly perpetuate intergenerational impact of the Troubles. Visitor/tourism social media websites including Facebook and Twitter will be used to assess external/visitor perception of Troubles Art.

(3) Thematic Analysis Content analysis of dominant themes will test a hypothesis that Troubles art in Catholic Nationalist areas and Protestant Loyalist areas have divergent concerns. Martyrdom (Catholic Nationalist) and triumphalism (Protestant Loyalist).

(4) Material production and dissemination strategies will evidence diversity e.g. gender LGBT in Troubles Art and expansion of methods from murals to emergent strategies for ephemeral events, craftivism and digital imagery.

(5) Resilience Theory provides a cross-disciplinary framework for concepts of authorship, community memory and protective factors that apply meaning to adverse events.

The project is grounded in participatory design (Simonsen and Robertson, 2012). There is potential for a suitable applicant to use creative practice in their research process and outcome. The creation of art work, community co-creation or curation may be integral to be the process of inquiry. Art-work or art therapy informed interventions will be influenced by evolving project knowledge.  The research will develop new databases; a public exhibition is anticipated. Insights from the research will be relevant to develop strategies for community co-creation, art-therapy and collective articulation of trauma on content and narrative.

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
• 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

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