This summer, we would like to commission a visual artist, filmmaker or animator to produce an original work responding to the key themes of our new research digest, The Social Role of the Artist, to be published in the Autumn.

What is a research digest?

Our research digests are based on a rapid assessment of published literature to present a ‘snapshot’ of cultural value research across core themes.

The reviews present an overview of key findings, what we know for sure, where there is emerging evidence and where further research is needed. We use the evidence gained through the review process to make conclusions about the current state of the evidence and what implications this has for the future.

Explore previous research digests

More about the social role of the artist research digest

The role of artists in our society is broad and complex. It ranges from artists working with town planning departments to schools and the healthcare system. Many ongoing debates depict the artist as both disrupter of the ‘status quo’ and complicit in maintaining power imbalances. Many of these debates focus on the social value and impacts artists can make in different areas of society. Indeed, it could be argued that ‘the’ social role of ‘the’ artist is misleading: there seem to be many social roles and definitions of artists.

The key themes emerging from this research digest are outlined in the full brief, linked below. The selected artist will also have access to the executive summary and highlights from the digest to further develop their concept.

Download the full brief, project timeline and information about how to submit a proposal

Should you require this information in an alternative format, please email ccv@leeds.ac.uk

Proposal submission deadline: Friday 21 July 2023

Fee: £2,000 (This amount must include all related expenditure and VAT if applicable)

The Centre for Cultural Value recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+, and disabled people.