ID064 Multimodal/intermedial research network/centre

The Idea

Establishing a multimodal/intermedial research network and, ultimately, centre to bring together researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas (university - community) and showcase current practice. There is a lot of work being done in sound art, music composition, film, creative writing, etc. in my Faculty alone, and an interest in creative methods in Medicine, GGE, Maths and Computing, and other Faculties/Schools/disciplines. A research network would enable conversations and exchanges, and foster original and innovative work, outputs, and public engagement/community participation. With potential external support in the form of funding, it could be developed into a research centre or similar, e.g. doctoral college. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

It builds on Keele's heritage as a multi- and interdisciplinary institution. 

It showcases cutting edge practice by current researchers and researcher-practitioners. 

It contributes to Keele's civic mission now and in the future, with the potential to foster local talent and prevent the drain out of the Potteries to larger cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London. 

It distinguishes Keele from other institutions (rightly) embracing and promoting creative industries and enables collaboration with them -- notably Staffs -- rather than competition. 

Given current debates around AI/information storage and sustainability, there is scope for Keele to draw on its expertise in environmental science and storytelling to offer important contributions to the developing field of multimodal and intermedial arts (and other) practices. 

How We Would Implement This Idea

Ideally, there would be some budget for some administrative support and a launch event, but in the short term, the network could run along the lines of the current Institutes -- a largely virtual grouping of people with shared interests, events and activities, showcase. Budget and infrastructure would allow for greater ambition, including dedicated performance/exhibition spaces on campus. We have limited exhibition spaces at the moment, and no dedicated performance spaces. It would be especially good to have a performance space able to support public dissemination of human-digital art (all forms: visual, sound, writing, somatic, etc). This would complement ArtsKeele’s already impressive offering. It could also be used to support UG and PGT teaching in Creative Industries.  

What Success Would Look Like

High-quality outputs, community participation -- and, ideally, co-designing and co-delivering research agendas and projects --, collaborations and partnerships (Keele-community organisations/industry), grant bids, legacy (e.g. start-ups, apprenticeships in local region).