Breaking the Code

University of Manchester Research Fellowship, working with a focus group of artists with experience of forced migration, using Participatory Action Research and Systems Change Methodology.

Working with a focus group of artists, with experience of forced migration; using Participatory Action Research and Systems Change Methodology to gather first-hand evidence of their experiences and co-create an event and Zine to engage the cultural sector, academics and policymakers in positive dialogue about the structural exclusion of refugees.

The Research

This Simon Industrial Research Fellowship project at the University of Manchester brings together refugee artists to explore the systemic barriers they face in the UK cultural sector. Through collaborative workshops and dialogue, we documented experiences of exclusion, resilience, and creative resistance.

The Zine

The culmination of this research is a co-created Zine that amplifies the voices of refugee artists and presents their recommendations for structural change in the arts sector. The Zine was launched at an event bringing together policymakers, arts organisations, and the participating artists.

Key Themes

• Structural barriers to participation in the cultural sector
• The value of lived experience as expertise
• Systems change methodology in arts research
• Co-creation and participatory action research