TU Dublin researchers awarded UK-Ireland Collaboration in the Creative Economy Research Networking Award
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The project Rethinking Class in the Creative Economy was one of 6 networking awards announced by Research Ireland and the Arts and Humanities Research Council today.
The TU Dublin team of Dr Caroline Ann O’Sullivan (CoPI), Dr Mary Ann Bolger, Dr Bernadette Quinn and Dr Deirdre McQuillan will work over the next 12 months with Prof Beth Johnson (University of Leeds Co PI), Professor Dave O’Brien (University of Manchester) and Dr Sara DeBenidictus (Brunel University London) and industry partners: the Arts Councils of England and Ireland, Arts Emergency, the BBC, British Film Institute, Creative and Cultural Industries Skillnet and Screen Ireland.
The project aims to address the underrepresentation of individuals from working-class backgrounds in the creative industries. This network will explore how class is understood and measured in the creative industries across the UK and Ireland, and will produce research and recommendations for creative economy policy and practice.
Dr Caroline Ann O’Sullivan, Co-Principal Investigator on the project, says:
“Despite sustained policy attention to equality, diversity and inclusion, individuals from working-class backgrounds remain underrepresented across the Creative Industries in both regions. We are delighted to establish this network, which will deepen understanding of the structural barriers faced by working-class people in the Creative Industries. These barriers can restrict access, progression and retention, particularly in decision-making roles.
The network will enable us to work with funders and industry partners across Ireland and the UK to address these issues at a policy level, this network has real potential to bring about transformative change across the sector.”
The award of this networking grant recognises TU Dublin’s particular strength and expertise in interdisciplinary collaborative research across the Creative and Cultural Industries. It reflects the university’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the sector and to developing research that can inform policy and practice, while contributing to positive change.
The grant will bring together researchers, creative practitioners, industry partners, funders and policymakers to explore the structural barriers that affect access, progression and retention for people from working-class backgrounds across the Creative Industries.
By creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the network will help build a stronger evidence base, inform policy and practice, and support a more diverse, inclusive and representative creative sector.
If you are a stakeholder in the Creative and Cultural sector and would like further information or to become involved in the network, please contact Dr Caroline Ann O’Sullivan.