Creative Technologies in Public Arts PhD Opportunity

A collaborative PhD studentship to begin Autumn 2024 through the new Centre for Performance, Technology, and Equity (PTEQ) at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in partnership with 101 Outdoor Arts.

Academic Supervisors: Dr. Lynne Kendrick and Kate Lane (Central) Co-Supervisor/Partner Lead: Simon Chatterton (101 Outdoor Arts)

This fully-funded PhD will undertake theoretical analysis and/or practice research on the use of creative technology in arts for public spaces, working with 101 Outdoor Arts, with specific focus on equity, technology, and theatre/performance practice in relation to the environment. 101 Outdoor Arts is the UK’s principal centre for the development and production of the outdoor arts sector, serving as a national hub to nurture innovation and experimentation in site-specific and outdoor performances.


About the Research Project


The research project will work on the use of creative technologies to enable arts practitioners to realise powerful experiences that can engage diverse audiences in public space contexts. The PhD might examine the unique nature of outdoor arts and technology in widening participation and engagement in outdoor arts, explore questions of how to make technologies in public performances more affordable, accessible, and appropriate for creatives in this field, and/or develop innovative approaches to the use of creative technologies in the unique sites and contexts offered by the outdoor arts sector. The PhD is rooted in histories and practices of outdoor art and site-specific performance, and as well as the use of creative technology to mobilize and engage with local publics.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, and a Masters-level qualification or equivalent. We also encourage applicants with relevant work/professional experience who are considering doing a PhD to apply. Applications from candidates of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.Studentships can be either full or part-time. The studentship includes a stipend for living costs at the UKRI Home rate plus fees and up to one studentship can cover international fees.

How to Apply

Expressions of Interest (EOI) should be submitted by 10am on Tuesday 28 May, 2024 via Central’s online portal, selecting the PTEQ funding route. EOIs should indicate which PTEQ studentship is of interest, and speak to the experience and research investments that would inform their work on that project. Applicants invited to next-stage interviews will be asked to submit references.

Further questions regarding the studentships can be directed to kate.elswit@cssd.ac.uk

Deadline: 10am on Tuesday 28 May, 2024