Research in Art and Design

CADRE: Centre for Art, Design, Research and Experimentation

Established in 2006, the Research Centre is situated in the School of Art & Design and comprises readers, research professors, associates, research active staff and PhD students.

CADRE’s overall concern lies in the effect of art and design upon society. The social interaction inherent in new interactive technologies, the theory and practice of cultural agency, and experiments in radical democracy and performative objects remain the hallmark of both the intellectual and practical research in all of our research groups.

In the RAE (2008) 10% of research by CADRE was rated as world leading, 25% as internationally excellent and 50% as internationally recognised.

Through the CADRE research clusters academics and artists are invited to give public lectures which are open to all university students, staff, and members of the public.  

CADRE Research Groups:

Art, Critique and Social Practice

• This Research group is noted for its wide-ranging and internationally renowned analysis and engagement with models of sociability and performativity in contemporary art.

     Communications and Pedagogy

• This newly formed group cluster, Communication and Pedagogy, forms part of the University of Wolverhampton School of Art & Design’s research centre: the Centre for Art, Design, Research and Experimentation (CADRE).  Although recently formed, there is already research of national and international standing including books, journal and conference publications.

Creative Processes in the Performing Arts 

• This research group pursues creative inquiry and critical analysis at the intersection of theory and performance practice. The perform research cluster comprises three subject areas – music, dance and drama – within the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure.

Digital Theory, Technology and Practice

• This Research group has a depth of knowledge and expertise in digital creativity and audio visual technology. With explorations into both narrative and non-narrative forms in conceptual, immersive and performative spaces.

Material and Theoretical Practice

• This Research group brings together researchers rooted in studio-based, creative and professional practices with the aim to explore and advance different methodological and conceptual approaches through the manipulation of material in fine art, applied arts and design.

These research groups provide the structure within CADRE for research and development. Knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary research are also essential components of our long-term income generation strategy.

PhD study

Find out about opportunities available and how to apply.