AHRC Sussex IAA
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of Media, Arts and Humanities
Abstract
The aims of the AHRC IAA are to bring about a transformational step change in our research culture and environment for impact, and to expand our partnership capacity by developing innovative methods of engagement towards meaningful co-creation.
In the Arts & Humanities at Sussex we are at the threshold of a major shift in our approach to how research is conducted across disciplines, and reciprocally with non-academic creative/cultural partners and communities. This will be a new phase of collaborative learning relating to the practice of research, impact and knowledge exchange. It demands strategic questions of capacity (in both researcher and partnership development) and the creation of a shared responsive research 'ecosystem'. It requires new, exploratory modes of learning and co-creation built around active listening and participation for all stakeholders; and support for the next generation of early career researchers, who will transform the sector and the untapped potential of the Arts & Humanities for the future. The AHRC Sussex IAA has this new, accelerated phase of impact in view, for focused investment to enable and build its delivery. We aim, via the AHRC Sussex IAA, to establish an inclusive collaborative ecology with the cultural and creative sector that will open up practical and strategic opportunities for knowledge sharing and co-creation, while supporting outstanding research and development at each stage. Key strands of Arts & Humanities research and impact at Sussex are embedded in the interdisciplinary energies and creative engagement which characterise our research. We have strengths across the portfolio in: AI and Digital Transformations; Place Making and Communities; Cultural heritage; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Policy; Creative Economy; New horizons. We also recognise that our research can have impact and relevance beyond the creative and cultural sector and exploring and maximising this wider reach is essential.
In developing our culture, we will build and maintain a transformative and inclusive environment to enable impact and knowledge exchange across the whole Arts & Humanities research community at Sussex, with particular focus on early career training, mentoring, support and development. This transformation will be facilitated by targeted and tailored activity and mentoring, shaping an open ecosystem that encourages cross-disciplinary working and facilitates work with external partners, offering agile and flexible opportunities and support for developing impact, and fostering dynamic impact and knowledge exchange. We will develop collaboration by positioning and sustaining co-creation and collaboration with partners and stakeholders at the heart of our research with impact, and establishing supporting structures. We will build capacity amongst our researchers, building understanding of the specific nature of KE and impact development in the Arts & Humanities space. Central to this is the learning which takes place from particular projects and case studies. We aim to build upon the reflexive potential of an exploratory Arts & Humanities practice of evaluation - from active listening to action learning with stakeholders - to learn iteratively along with non-academic stakeholders in our community. This learning will enrich the ecosystem itself, as well as nurturing new capabilities and skillsets for researchers and partners whose impact literacy, understanding and skills are 'reinvested' in further developments.
In the Arts & Humanities at Sussex we are at the threshold of a major shift in our approach to how research is conducted across disciplines, and reciprocally with non-academic creative/cultural partners and communities. This will be a new phase of collaborative learning relating to the practice of research, impact and knowledge exchange. It demands strategic questions of capacity (in both researcher and partnership development) and the creation of a shared responsive research 'ecosystem'. It requires new, exploratory modes of learning and co-creation built around active listening and participation for all stakeholders; and support for the next generation of early career researchers, who will transform the sector and the untapped potential of the Arts & Humanities for the future. The AHRC Sussex IAA has this new, accelerated phase of impact in view, for focused investment to enable and build its delivery. We aim, via the AHRC Sussex IAA, to establish an inclusive collaborative ecology with the cultural and creative sector that will open up practical and strategic opportunities for knowledge sharing and co-creation, while supporting outstanding research and development at each stage. Key strands of Arts & Humanities research and impact at Sussex are embedded in the interdisciplinary energies and creative engagement which characterise our research. We have strengths across the portfolio in: AI and Digital Transformations; Place Making and Communities; Cultural heritage; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Policy; Creative Economy; New horizons. We also recognise that our research can have impact and relevance beyond the creative and cultural sector and exploring and maximising this wider reach is essential.
In developing our culture, we will build and maintain a transformative and inclusive environment to enable impact and knowledge exchange across the whole Arts & Humanities research community at Sussex, with particular focus on early career training, mentoring, support and development. This transformation will be facilitated by targeted and tailored activity and mentoring, shaping an open ecosystem that encourages cross-disciplinary working and facilitates work with external partners, offering agile and flexible opportunities and support for developing impact, and fostering dynamic impact and knowledge exchange. We will develop collaboration by positioning and sustaining co-creation and collaboration with partners and stakeholders at the heart of our research with impact, and establishing supporting structures. We will build capacity amongst our researchers, building understanding of the specific nature of KE and impact development in the Arts & Humanities space. Central to this is the learning which takes place from particular projects and case studies. We aim to build upon the reflexive potential of an exploratory Arts & Humanities practice of evaluation - from active listening to action learning with stakeholders - to learn iteratively along with non-academic stakeholders in our community. This learning will enrich the ecosystem itself, as well as nurturing new capabilities and skillsets for researchers and partners whose impact literacy, understanding and skills are 'reinvested' in further developments.
