Research and innovation

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Printing facilities in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.
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Our research

The School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies provides a unique environment for research that seeks to develop and explore theory and practice in art making, art historical studies, critical studies in heritage and museums, and in cultural studies.

Our research – reflected in our active research centres and groups – is currently concerned with cultural theory, feminisms, Jewish Studies, critical AI, the relationship between art, education and technology, participation and social practice, material cognition in fine art practice, art galleries, museums and heritage and the art market.

Research groups

We have a number of established and active research centres and groups to address our core research areas of fine art, art history, cultural studies, and museums, galleries and heritage.

Sculpture with people viewing art in a gallery in a foreground Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage

Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage

The Centre creates a dynamic environment for researching and studying museum practice at the intersection of cultural theory, history, art practice and museum and heritage studies.

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FAHACS building interior Centre for Cultural Studies

Centre for Cultural Studies

The Centre for Cultural Studies aims to create an interdisciplinary forum for the study of cultural practices, texts and institutions, drawing on a wide range of departments and disciplines.

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Centre for jewish studies Centre for Jewish Studies

Centre for Jewish Studies

The Centre houses two main branches: a research centre for Jewish visual and cultural studies; and the Antisemitism in Contemporary Culture project (supported by The Stanley & Audrey Burton Trust).

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Centre for the study for the art and antiques market Centre for the Study of the Art and Antiques Market

Centre for the Study of the Art and Antiques Market

This is the first research centre, both nationally and internationally, with a specific focus on the study of the history of the trade in both art and antiques.

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A laptopogram displaying a dataset as cloud-like clusters of black blobs on a neutral background. There are three larger collections, almost resembling a map, with some data points leaking out into the negative space. Critical AI Research Group

Critical AI Research Group

This interdisciplinary group examines the cultural, social, ethical, and political dimensions of contemporary artificial intelligence and algorithmically driven technologies.

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John Ruskin, Rocks and Ferns in a Wood at Crossmount, Perthshire, 1847. Pen and ink, watercolour and bodycolour on paper, 32.3cm x 46.5cm. Environmental Humanities Research Group

Environmental Humanities Research Group

This group brings together researchers who are working in response to environmental crisis, using art and visual culture as multi-disciplinary reference points.

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Artwork by Michelle Duxbury Feminisms Research Group

Feminisms Research Group

The Feminisms Research Group explores practices and theories of feminism and culture.

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Artworks by Jo McGonigal, Julia McKinlay, Moyra Derby. Material Cognition Research Group

Material Cognition Research Group

Material Cognition is a practice-based research group that foregrounds the materially conditioned, multi-sensory and experiential aspects of making and encountering art.

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People making zines Participation and Social Practice Research Group

Participation and Social Practice Research Group

This group brings together academics, students and community collaborators committed to generating knowledge through creative, action-led and participatory methods.

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Two people in a room with a sign on the window that reads Whose Power production office.

Impact and engagement

Our interdisciplinary research is relevant on a local, national and international scale. The breadth of research being undertaken engages with partners across the arts and cultures sectors and beyond.

We work collaboratively with our partners to create impact and undertake activities to engage a range of audiences at all levels.

Research opportunities

The school offers a range of opportunities for visiting and postdoctoral researchers.

Augmented reality intervention in the East Bedroom at Harewood House Visiting Research Fellows & Scholars

Visiting Research Fellows & Scholars

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Photo of library books Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postdoctoral Fellowships

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Art gallery displaying a range of works

Research projects

Our research staff are engaged in a diverse range of innovative research projects.

Explore our research projects.

Explore our expertise.