Sites of Learning. Examining the educational potential of gallery contexts through practice-based research.

We invite applications for a fully-funded 4-year PhD project as a full-time programme of study. This PhD is funded by TU Dublin and supported by ARISE funding. This PhD program offers an exciting opportunity to explore practice-based research at the intersection of critical pedagogy, and participatory art in gallery and museum contexts.

Art Galleries and museums are sites of public pedagogy; as a public institution, the gallery maintains the role of expert, favouring educational and curatorial practices based on knowledge transmission. A concern with traditional forms of knowledge transmission in gallery education is how it can limit a critical engagement with educational questions, problems and environments. By assuming what education is (transmission), this approach remains particularly inaccessible to Neuro-diverse learners whose experience with executive functioning and social interaction is often misunderstood in traditional educational environments. Addressing this, the research will examine how learning can be diversified more effectively in galleries and museums. Informed by “critical-spatial practices”, the research will implement a detailed study of gallery-based educational programmes, exploring more embodied, spatialised practices of gallery-based education to support inclusive spaces for intersectional learners. Following this, the artist-educator will mediate participation and engagement in the gallery to better understand the role of its spatial dynamics, to empower a greater sense of belonging, agency and self-actualisation. Through this process the research will re-imagine the role of the artist working within gallery educational contexts as a critical factor in establishing sustainable relationships with visitors, impacting strategic development and policy making.

Student Requirements for this Project: at least a 2.1 primary degree in Fine Art, Curatorial Practice, Critical Pedagogy, Creative Industries or a cognate discipline. Excellent communication and writing skills. Experience of Gallery-Based Education. An interest in critical pedagogy, artistic research, intersectional research, spatial analysis and a passionate desire to effect change within contemporary practices in art education. Commitment to the highest standards of ethical practice in academic research.

Fully Funded (scholarship, fees, materials) Funding agency This project is supported by TU Dublin and funded via the Technological University R&I supporting Enterprise scheme, which is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027 Student Stipend per annum €25,000 Materials & Travel Budget €2000 for materials with an additional €1500 provided in year 1 to cover the costs of a laptop. €1000 for travel to conferences etc Fees €5500 covered Duration of funding 48 months

To apply complete the expression of interest form below. forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp

Supervisor Glenn Loughran School of Art and Design TU Dublin Contact Email: [email protected]

www.tudublin.ie/research-innovation/research/postgraduate-research/prospective-students/