Researching the New
Researching the New was a knowledge exchange project devised to explore processes of renewal and innovation within Manchester’s cultural organisations including new and experimental practices of engagement with audiences and artists. We were co-investigators on this research project with the Institute for Cultural Practices at the University of Manchester.
We were commissioned, amongst other tasks, to facilitate filmed conversations between key staff from the cultural sector in Manchester with inspirational organisations across the country – including Battersea Arts Centre, the South Bank Centre and Grizedale Arts. Key points that emerged from these were then explored in a series of thematic films around innovative engagement practices, organisational renewal and issues around redevelopment. Researching the New was part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) investigation into Cultural Value, 2014. Our films can be seen on the website we built for the project.
The Institute for Cultural Practices chose to work with Belle Vue on our Faculty-funded research project, Researching the New, because of their very unusual combination of research, design and production skills. As researcher-practitioners, each member of team is experienced in advanced academic research, and together they cover a fantastic blend of film-making, design and web-based skills which we’re using for both the research process and dissemination. Belle Vue are great at sharing skills, and we’ve learned a great deal from working with them.
– Professor Helen Rees Leahy, University of Manchester
– Professor Helen Rees Leahy, University of Manchester
Who: The Institute for Cultural Practices, University of Manchester. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)