S.H.E.D

Abstract

This research paper introduces S.H.E.D the Social Higher Education Depot and its various research-generation activities known as 'shedding' ; that has come out of that initial artistic research project. It addresses the research question of how do we design dialogue through socially and dialogically engaged practice. Thinking about the ‘Social Turn’ (Bishop 2010), placemaking (Courage, 2019) and the blend of design and performative approach to artistic practice. And how through site-specific practice to create a work of art, in this case S.H.E.D, was able to generate a reconfigurable space for socially motivated work, and as a vehicle for research and consultation space.

In this presentation, Jones introduces her thinking about how the purpose of S.H.E.D as an artistic research project is seeking ways to bridges the gap between H.E and reach out to society to fulfil a civic duty. In this way, Jones considers how artist practice can offer insight into how we address the long term issues and impact of ‘shedding’ It is suggested that art is a social action model where S.H.E.D is the ‘mechanism for social engagement and change through participation’ (Sholette and Bass, 2018) .

The talk blended the theoretical underpinning of S.H.E.D with its practice and community engagement, whilst introducing the impact and civic action that it has both supported and generated.

The talk also describes the research journey to date - setting out its ambitions for 2021-23 and outlines how the project has become a CiC , and the first spin out company from the University of Derby.

To date S.H.E.D has contributed to the KEF Shortlisted for Shed of the Year in the unexpected category 2020 Finalist for the GreenGown Awards for Benefiting Society Category, 2020

To date the project has engaged with over 4000 individuals. 187 artists, and 260 young people.

Financial Research and Development Grants awarded by: Arts Council England Vice Chancellors Idea Forum Derby County Community Trust Derby Theatre This is Derby Reimagine This is Derby In Good Company BigHouse2 InDialogue