​​Craftivism: The role of the older woman in craft activism ​

​​Craftivism –collective activism utilising craft processes and artefacts– is a methodology for socially co-ordinated protest and civic resistance. Along with craftivism’s affinity to issues of peace, equality and environmental justice, there are associations with domestic and feminist attributes, behaviours, scale and material practices.  The ecosystem of craftivism aligns with a post-modernist shift from revered artist/author to socially democratic co-creation. At the same time, most of the published literature is situated in Western discourse and there is critique of craftivism’s mostly white, global north demographic; there are tensions between espoused environmental values and care for sustainability and circularity in use of materials.

​This research will seek to understand the role of marginalised groups and minorities, with specific investigation of the salience of older women in craftivism.

​This interpretive inquiry may use archives, object-based studies, fieldnotes, and ethical engagement with key actors (e.g. observation, surveys, interviews) to rigorously investigate the context and phenomenon.  Insights may arise from consideration of objects, media or film archives and ephemera from 20th century onwards. Contemporary case studies of craftivism may illuminate the investigation of the role of media, digital representations, communication, strategy, policy influence, sustainability and community engagement on local and global issues. The research will potentially be of use in social art practices, pedagogy and policy.

​The proposed research can be a text- based thesis or a suitable applicant may propose a methodology that includes creative practice in textiles, ceramics or related craft to address the research imperatives.​

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

​​Bratich, J Brush, H, M. (2011) Fabricating Activism: Craft-Work, Popular Culture, Gender. Utopian Studies, Vol. 22, No. 2, 2011: pp. 233-260

​Garber, E. (2013) Craft as Activism. The journal of Social Theory in Art Education, 33: pp 53-56

​Gauntlett, D. (2011) Making is connecting. The Social Meaning of creativity, from DIY and knitting to YouTube and Web 2.0. Cambridge. Polity Press.

​Ingold, T. (2013). Making: Anthropology, Archaeology, Art and Architecture. Oxon: Routledge.

​McMullan, M. (2022) Will There Be Womanly Times? Reflections on the Work of Ellen Lesperance, Textile Cloth and Culture, DOI: 10.1080/14759756.2022.2136870

​Sanders-Bustle, L. (2022), Negotiating the Art of Protest through Craftivism. International Journal of Art and Design Education, 41: pp 427-445.