Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Coventry University

We have a PhD Studentship in Making Online Participatory Artworks available in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Coventry University, with Professor Mel Jordan, of the Centre for Postdigital Cultures, as Director of Studies.

PhD Studentship: Making Online Art Together - A Practice-led Study of Online Participatory Artworks for Publics, Museums and Galleries

This is a practice-based research project. The research will discover how audiences interact with digital tools that are employed via out-reach projects. Candidates with skills and knowledge in the theory, practice and histories of social art practice should apply. The collective goal of the project is: to offer new types of artworks that can be accessed online during and beyond COVID-19; and to generate innovate ways for users to engage with digital tools for the production of collaborative artworks. The technological aspect of this project is concerned with multiple technologies for the production of artworks and is a means to experiment with engagement; its problems, its politics as well as its successes.

Research Questions:

* What kinds of social relationships are enabled by digital participatory art works; and how can a digital participatory artwork operate to support existing community building and well-being?

* What types of digital tools do museums and galleries use; and how do they make use of digital participatory art projects for community engagement? How can they reach audiences that are currently unable to visit in person?

* How do users employ digital tools; and how can we improve user engagement with online artefacts and events?

Director of Studies: Professor Mel Jordan

Training and Development: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PhD:

* A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average. PLUS the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years

* A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) For further details see: www.coventry.ac.uk/…ion

To find out more about the project please contact Mel Jordan: email: _mel.jordan@coventry.ac.uk_

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/…ies

Closing date for applications: 10th August 2020

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus an up to 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Eligibility: UK/EU graduates with the required entry requirements PhD funding award: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU)

Start date: September 2020/January 2021

Duration of study: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Mel Jordan: email: mel.jordan@coventry.ac.uk