A/r/tography Research Cluster

A/r/tography is a research methodology that addresses pedagogy (method and practice of teaching in relation to an academic subject) through the lens of the multiple identities of the artist/creative, researcher and teacher. The artistic medium engages the self through embodied learning to reflect on one’s practice as a teacher through their artistic sensibility. The methodology offers a fluid and dynamic orientation that is not based on a final research outcome, but rather a deepened understanding through a living inquiry of one’s practice. The methodology is not reliant on logical development but explores the intuitive self and the many tensions and contradictions through the creative process.

Our aims

The A/r/tography Research Cluster is about self-study in the context of a community of a/r/tographers to find new meanings through the dynamics of this interconnected relationship. The research cluster offers opportunity in a community context to develop oneself as a researcher/creative to inform teaching practice. The intention is to develop a supportive network to share visual artworks, designs, films, installations, dance, musical compositions, dramatic work, poems, stories and research narratives to inform professional development through a co-creative dynamic. It is through the co-creative dynamic that new knowledge of pedagogy is constructed.

A/r/tography is not goal-focused but a process-orientated research approach that uncovers questions through continual inquiry. The creation and construction of pedagogic knowledge happens in the dynamic exchange between self and other. Through these exchanges, different voices are honoured which lends itself to a multidirectional process of becoming more aware of ourselves as teachers, artists and researchers. A/r/tography celebrates the interconnection between the personal and professional and recognises the importance of challenging dualistic thinking.

A/r/tography aims to:

To create a vibrant and active community for sharing research for pedagogic development.
To develop an international profile and recognition of a/r/tography informed research that engages all the arts
To disseminate referable outputs through publications, conferences, exhibitions and performance
To develop a double-blind international online peer-review journal and editorial infrastructure

Research Cluster Leads

Dr Drew Bird

Drew is a senior lecturer in Therapeutic Arts at the University of Derby.

Professor Ava Hunt

Ava is a Senior Lecturer in Theatre Arts. She also works as a professional actor, director, programmer and producer. She has worked in theatre, film, commercials and television.

“A/r/tography is an innovative and powerful research tool that supports my research and applied theatre practice. I have used this approach working with my students, developing my practice in schools with children, and internationally in refugee camps in Palestine” - Dr Ava Hunt

Research Cluster Team

Cluster Members

Our research

We convened a research meeting ‘The Playful Learner’ on 23 November 2022. Researchers were able to come together and share practice through, movement, improvisation and music.
Dr Hunt has written an a/r/tography article for JAR – a peer reviewed website. The article explores an a/r/tography project that Dr Ava Hunt delivered in both Derby schools and Palestine.

Join us

If you are interested in our research, want to join our research cluster or are considering applying for a PhD in this area, please contact Dr Ava Hunt for more information.

Publications

An article for JAR – a peer-reviewed website- was submitted on 31st January 2023. The article is currently being reviewed for publication. It explores an a/r/tography project that I delivered in both the UK and Palestine titled “The Kites Are Flying” - a multimedia project using film, a solo performance and workshop delivery - Dr Hunt.