In a pioneering collaboration between the University of Westminster’s Ceramics Research Centre UK (CRC UK) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), a new Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research initiative, Future Ecologies of Clay, has officially launched.
Running for three years, the project aims to radically rethink how UK museums collect, document and share expanded clay practices, which are works that go beyond traditional ceramic objects to include live performance, participatory and site responsive art.
The project is led by Professor Clare Twomey, Artist, Researcher and Curator at the University of Westminster, Phoebe Cummings, Artist and Research Associate, and Tessa Peters, Senior Lecturer in the History and Theory of Art, in partnership with Alun Graves, Senior Curator in Ceramics and Glass from 1900-now, Department of Decorative Art and Sculpture at the V&A.
During the three-year project the team aims to identify and analyse recent and historical clay works that escape traditional collection methods; explore how existing museums succeed or fail at capturing process based clay art; co-create strategic models with four partnering museums, resulting in new collection entries and case studies; produce a Collection and Archives Strategy Document, informed by artists, curators, educators and collection managers, to guide future practice; and publish a book of essays presenting the outcomes, advancing discourse in both museum studies and visual arts.
The CRC-UK and the V&A team are currently recruiting two Research Fellows with expertise in material practice, documentation methods and archival research in museum contexts to support the project.
The initiative is part of the CREAM research centre – a world leading centre and pioneer in practice-based, critical, theoretical and historical research in the broad areas of art, creative and interdisciplinary practice.
The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Their mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere.
Professor Clare Twomey said: “The impact of this research will be far-reaching for generations to come. It is vital museums are given the opportunity to reflect and value the changing world in their collections and are given the tools to do this.”
This collaborative project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
The AHRC-funded research initiative has the grant number UKRI748.
Find out more about Art, Design and Visual Culture courses at the University of Westminster.
Phoebe Cummings, I hear myself with my throat, 2024. Raw clay installation at Pallant House Gallery. Photo: Joe Low
Christie Brown, Ambika’s Dream, 2014. Site-responsive installation at Ambika P3, University of Westminster. Photo: Sylvain Deleu
Phoebe Cummings, Prelude, 2022. Ephemeral raw clay fountain installed at Thomas Dane Gallery, Naples. Photo: Roberto Salomone
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