Dr Jade French

Profile

I am a museum professional and practice-led researcher whose research interests emerge from practical experience of running inclusive and community-led projects. For the past 10 years I have worked in the museum sector alongside community groups to explore the intersection of curating, participation and social change, examining the evolution of the relationship between communities and museums. I have particular expertise in collaborating with learning disabled people within the cultural sector, underpinned by experience in disability advocacy and social care roles.

My research currently explores inclusive and accessible curating and its role in initiating broader conversations around democracy and diversity in cultural spaces. I was appointed a Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Fine Art, History art and Cultural Studies where I am writing a monograph for Arc Humanities Press titled 'Inclusive Curating in Contemporary Art: A Practical Guide', as well as co-editing a second book 'Intellectual Disability and Visual Art: A Critical Enquiry' for publisher Palgrave Macmillan with Dr Melaneia Warwick.

In addition to my academic work, I am Community Engagement Coordinator at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum working on a Wellcome Trust funded project that explores the civic potential of Catalyst in the local communitiy. I have undertaken independent research evaluations and reporting for organisations such as DASH, Artlink and Hull City of Culture 2017 and in 2018 I undertook The Firestation Artist Studio's International Curator Residency in Dublin, Ireland.

Research interests

Areas of interest include;

• Inclusive, participatory and community-led approaches to curating
• Inclusive and participatory arts practices
• 'Engagement' and 'participation' in museums, galleries and heritage
• Access and inclusion in museums, galleries and heritage
• Disability and diversity in museums, galleries and heritage
• Co-production and co-design in cultural spaces
• Disability Studies and Self-Advocacy
• Arts and activism
• Zines and DIY culture

Qualifications

• PhD Curating
• MA Inclusive Arts Practice
• BA Photography

Student education

I teach and supervise dissertations across the MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies, MA Arts Management and Heritage Studies and BA History of Art and Museum Studies.