practice-led research

Artists and creative practitioners have been researching their disciplines and their practice at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus for over two decades. In the process of creating new works these artist-researchers have made original contributions to the store of knowledge about their discipline through a rigorous investigation of practice.

Known as practice-led research, this is research which is both initiated in practice and then pursued through practice. This commitment to place practice at the centre of the design, conduct and reporting of research separates practice-led research from traditional research approaches.

The Creative Industries Faculty attracts students from across the country who see the benefits of this research strategy. Students are currently undertaking examinable artistic work in creative writing, film and television production, dance, performance, music, visual arts and new media. In 2008, 20 practice-led research degree students will showcase the results of their investigations. Typically these works challenge traditional understandings of the arts through their interdisciplinarity, arresting use of technology and playfulness of form.

Students can complete practice-led research to satisfy the requirements of either a PhD or Master of Arts (Research). Creative works are presented for examination along with a written exegesis which engages with and leads debates about the critical and cultural contexts that surround the work. Bridgette McKelvey, whose photography is featured here, completed practice-led research in her Master of Arts (Research).

View the work of selected practice-led researchers at QUT.