<  > connectedness: interactions, provocations, collaborations

Arts, Design and Media research comprises many moments of connectedness than in turn create turning points in the research process, be they intellectual, practical, artistic or methodological. Whilst perhaps many are planned, others arise when they are least expected amongst the praxis of research.

< > connectedness: interactions, provocations, collaborations is an experimental one-day online conference that seeks to unveil and explore the multiple possibilities and nuances of connectedness in Arts, Design and Media research. We are keen to expose, experiment with and deconstruct the interactions and collaborations that happen at the various points of these multifarious forms of connectedness.

In creating connections across, within and at the edges of multiple disciplines, we hope to provoke new thinking and redefine the ecology of Arts, Design and Media research.

Contributions include happenings, performances, presentations and interactive posters that redefine the parameters of the traditional paper format reflecting doctoral research, methodologies, ways of articulation and everything in between.

Keynote address: Vanley Burke

After a warm welcome from the PGR Studio team and Pro Vice-Chancellor & Executive Dean Professor Alison Honour, we kick of the day with an exciting keynote from Honoury Professor Vanley Burke. Vanley Burke is often described as the ‘Godfather of Black British Photography’, whereby his iconic images have captured the evolving cultural landscape, social change, and stimulated debate in the United Kingdom over the past four decades. He draws strength from remaining a humble man of the community, whose personable character allows him to capture the intimate and private nature of people’s everyday lives.

His body of work represents possibly the largest photographic record of the Caribbean Diaspora in Britain, and as an avid collector, Vanley continues to connect histories through his substantial archive housed at the Library of Birmingham. From local community organisations to the Victoria & Albert Museum and Whitechapel, Vanley has exhibited widely in the United Kingdom, and as far afield as New York, South Africa and China.

Full programme and link to online conference space available soon!

Spaces are limited. Book your free place online here.