AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Network Series: Episode 6: Reflections and Considerations on the Dance Research Matters Networks Programme with Vipavinee Artpradid and Helen Weedon

In this episode, Vipavinee and Helen reflect upon the five AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Networks and the wider incentive for the Dance Research Matters campaign. They share insight into the rich connections and relationships formed throughout the networks and the effectivenessof the networks programme working closely with funders and the wider sector to welcome those both within and outside of the dance field. Alongside considering the ways in which dance research can be more visible in the UK, we discuss the needfor those in the sector to find new approaches to working and remind listeners of the value of dance research and the need to continue to foster new connections, create opportunities and to keep the conversation open.

Contributor Bibliographies: Vipavinee Artpradid

 Vip’s research applies embodied and inclusive qualitative research methodologies for social change and draws from her background in media anthropology, social anthropology, and cultural studies. She is currently leading funded projects on mapping and evaluating the AHRC Dance ResearchMatters Networks (AHRC AH/Y002105/1) and collaborating with FRONTLINEdance to develop embodied phenomenography for inclusive dance programme evaluation(British Academy SRG2324 089). Her PhD (2020) applied phenomenography to dance audience engagement to explore variations in ways of understanding disability. She has written on integration and inclusion in dance (2022), embodied hearing technologies (2022), and kinaesthetic empathicwitnessing (2023). Vip is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), Coventry University.

Contributor Bibliographies: Helen Weedon

Helen is a Senior Investment Manager at the Arts and Humanities Research Council in the Creative Industries Team where she has responsibility for the arts disciplines, including dance, as well as the Creative Industries Clusters Programme. Having studied Performance Arts at Middlesex University andgained a PGCE from De Monfort University Helen spent her early career teaching dance and performing arts in schools and FE colleges. She then moved into local government arts and cultural services where she managed and commissionedtheatres, galleries, museums and festivals, supporting artistic and audience development and engagement. Following a brief stint with the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Partnership Unit Helen joined AHRC in 2019. Helen is also Co-Chair of the UKRI Staff Carers Network.

AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Networks

 The five AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Networks explore current issues and generate change and legacy for thesector. The ecosystems created by the Networks traverse across South Asian dance, digital black dance, future producing dance ecologies, critical dance pedagogies, and pluriversal dance practices and will be mapped for reach andimpact in and beyond the sector.

For more information, please visit: danceresearchmatters.coventry.ac.uk

Instagram and Twitter: @danceresearchmatters

Please share this episode with students, educators, practitioners, performers, andinterdisciplinary researchers curious to learn more about dance research in action.