Academic researchers can apply now for our Collaborate fund, for the opportunity to work collaboratively with one of 10 exciting cultural sector research projects

What is Collaborate?

Collaborate is a new fund to support the development of collaborative research projects between the cultural sector and academic researchers. Across two rounds of funding in 2021 and 2022, we will support around 15 projects and funding awards will range from £5K – £20K. Successful projects will contribute to deeper understanding of the differences culture makes to people’s lives and to the range of research methodologies used to explore cultural value.

Expressions of Interest for academics are open between 6 December 2021 and 26 January 2022.

Benefits for academics

As an academic research partner, you will have the opportunity to:

• Co-develop a collaborative research project to more deeply understand an area of cultural value.
• Conduct research that could form the basis of future research publications, be cited as impact activity for future REF case studies or be the foundation for further external funding in the future.
• Gain access to a cohort of peers, learning resources and the chance to develop skills in research leadership and new ways to communicate research.
• Network with some of the UK’s leading arts and cultural organisations to generate shared research ideas.

Who you will work with

We have now shortlisted 10 proposals from cultural sector organisations for the next stage of the process, the academic matchmaking phase.

From the impact of live visual arts festivals to engagement with new digital spaces, and from the experiences of Black museum audiences to youth-led creative communities, the shortlisted projects cover a wide range of cultural activities and research objectives. Here are the shortlisted projects:

• Artichoke Trust
• Charis Beoku-Betts, supported by Derby Museums
• Cinema Nation
• Compass Live Art
• Crafts Council
• Liverpool Biennial
• National Liverpool Museums
• Quarantine
• Rising Arts Agency
• Something To Aim For

Given the varied nature of the projects, we’d particularly welcome applications from academic researchers with an interest in the following areas:

• Anthropology
• Applied theatre
• Museology
• Audience research
• Arts marketing
• Sociology
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Critical race studies
• Gender studies
• Digital humanities
• Arts and cultural management
• Film studies
• Philosophy and aesthetics
• Psychology

Briefing event for academics

How to apply

You’ll find all the information you need to submit an Expression of Interest here, including guidance for academics. Please also make sure you take a look at our FAQs before submitting an application.

Please note – you are welcome to apply to work with one or more of the projects, but you will need to complete a separate application form for each.

Image credit: Three Tables, Tim Etchells, Tate Exchange. Photo courtesy of the Tate.