Audiences, Engagement, Participation MA

University of Leeds

This course explores notions of participation and engagement in culture that aim to respect the cultural rights of all citizens as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. You will examine how policy makers, cultural organisations, and artists conceive the role of audiences and the wider public in contemporary cultures and economies on both a local and global scale. You will investigate practical approaches to participation and engagement in the arts and cultural sectors as well as reflecting on the nature of our personal engagement in the digital sphere. You will then critically examine the extent to which such approaches are effective at creating a more people centred culture and consider alternative approaches to achieve this aim. As well as developing your research skills this will help you develop your professional practice whether you wish to work in the management, marketing or education departments within existing arts organisations, develop cultural policy at a local, national or international level or develop your own skills as a participatory facilitator. The cultural sector has enormous potential to effect positive change in society. However, participation data has uncovered a lack of diversity in the age, ethnicity, education level and socioeconomic background of audiences in the arts alongside a decline in overall levels of arts engagement. This sits alongside efforts to address accessibility and structural inequality for both audiences and the creative workforce. You’ll explore theoretical concepts such as co-creation and participatory governance, alongside investigation into community and participatory arts practice, the implications of digital engagement, and conceptual design of audience experiences. You will be able to tailor your learning on the course to pursue your own interests and develop broader skills through your choice from a range of optional modules. Additional highlights You will also be able to engage with leading centres for research, policy, practice and debate based at the University of Leeds that are on the forefront of audience research and engagement such as the Centre for Cultural Value and the Cultural Institute. Leeds has a thriving cultural scene and is home to large-scale events like Leeds International Film Festival, Light Night, and Transform Festival. Our local connections allow you to interact with a range of partners including Leeds Museums & Galleries, Opera North, Hyde Park Picture House, and many other local arts and community organisations. The wider Yorkshire region is home to a rich and diverse culture with other major cultural institutions such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park who have a renowned learning programme.