External shot of Manchester School of Art

Research themes

Discover our research areas of expertise and excellence.

Our research groups

  • Simpson, E and White B. (2013) PLAYHEAD: A Parallel Anthology.

    Art and Archive Futures

    Bridging the gap between historic archiving and the digital archives of the future.

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  • asian cultures art work

    Asian Cultures Group

    Using art to connect with Asian cultures and communities across Manchester and the rest of the world.

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  • CORDILLERA A Weave Learning Tool Kit

    Community, Culture and Heritage

    Using design and craft research to understand and relate to places, people, history and culture.

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  • Elizabeth Magill Headland 2018

    The Curating Contemporary Art Group (CCAG)

    Practical and innovative approaches to researching and understanding the curation of contemporary art.

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  • text on scaffold

    Design for Health and Wellbeing

    Applying design and craft practices to improve both mental and physical wellbeing and health.

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  • The Second Line

    Making and Materiality

    Promoting creativity and innovation in design research and practice through the study of making and materials, including the production, use and reuse of materials.

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  • memory and matter header image

    Memory and Matter

    Re-examining the past using contemporary context through visual art, performance art and art research.

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  • Sit with us

    Mobilities in Art and Performance

    Understanding and showcasing how modes of travel and mobilities such as walking and cycling can be performance art.

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  • writing-painting-painting-writing image

    Painting Manchester

    Understanding the city of Manchester through the lens of contemporary art, and conducting world-leading research on painting and painting techniques.

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  • Black Rivers image

    Performance Research Group

    Influencing creative developments, public policy and broader culture through impactful performance research.

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  • Cross Pollination Photo by Gonzalo Alarcón.

    Social Art Inclusion Lab (SAIL)

    Encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in social arts practice, policymaking and access to culture — where art and people meet.

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  • Desert Generation exhibition Holden 2008

    Visual culture

    Responding to a wide range of visual media and visual practices through a critical, historical and theoretical lens.

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