We make a distinctive contribution to knowledge through practice-led, theoretical and art historical modes of enquiry. 97% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art) and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art).
Our aim is to develop innovative research in art, stimulated by an interdisciplinary environment and discussion on the production, distribution and mediation of art.Our research
Key areas of focus
Key areas of focus include exhibition and curatorial practice, publication projects and critical art writing, underpinned by an emphasis on digital technologies as a format for the production, dispersion and interpretation of art.
We believe that emerging and innovative art practices forge new audiences and users. We work with international museums, galleries and collections in sharing our research to both specialist and non-academic audiences.
We believe that emerging and innovative art practices forge new audiences and users. We work with international museums, galleries and collections in sharing our research to both specialist and non-academic audiences.
Reading International
Reading International is a three-year Arts Council-funded visual arts programme led by Reading School of Art.
The programme forges links between artists and communities to create contemporary artworks that spark debate on local and global issues. Reaching over 45,000 people in three years, it is helping to raise the quality of cultural organisations in Reading.
The programme of exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and public artworks was born out of a collaborative three-year research project led by Professor Susanne Clausen and an Ambition for Excellence Arts Council of England Award.
For more information, visit the Reading International website.
Dwoskin archive
Stephen Dwoskin's unique and significant archive is held in our University's Special Collections. An artist and filmmaker, Dwoskin was also co-founder of the London Film Maker's Co-op.
Picturing ideas? Visualising and synthesising ideas as art
This Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) research project led by Professor John Russell used virtual digital imagery in exploring critical and aesthetic implications of 'picturing' or 'visualisation' of philosophical and political ideas as art.
Outputs included the production of a series of images developed in response to an on-going dialogue with specialists in the fields of philosophy, contemporary art and psychology.
Outputs included the production of a series of images developed in response to an on-going dialogue with specialists in the fields of philosophy, contemporary art and psychology.
ArtLab
ArtLab is a dedicated art and technology facility whose purpose is to support outreach and widening participation in the arts.
ArtLab was designed to bring together the University of Reading, its students, and the local community; to engage young school children and teachers alike in what it means to be creative.
Learn more on the ArtLab website.
Tate Exchange
Each year, students and staff from the University bring their talents to the Tate Exchange to deliver a week of free workshops and activities, following a specific theme.
Euronoize
Euronoize investigates the meaning (and sound) of cultural identity in an age of transnational mobility.
This interdisciplinary project is led by Pil & Galia Kollectiv and involves an international consortium including Kunsthall Oslo and ARE Prague.
Exhibitions, performances and conferences are streamed and documented on the Euronoize project website.
Collaborating with others
We lead international research collaborations in curating and exhibition making.
A series of international symposia are staged with important figures in the field of curating and contemporary art alongside digital publishing platforms such as the e-journal and print journal OnCurating.org.
As part of Reading Assembly we collaborated with Tate Exchange associates, programming participatory workshops, activities and debates that share our research interests.
Our research has also forged creative collaborations with other departments at Reading and with other universities in the UK and beyond. The Art Research Division carries out cutting-edge interdisciplinary research under the University's Heritage & Creativity Research Theme.