A collaborative PhD scholarship with Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the University of Huddersfield School of Art Design & Architecture

“YSP is the NHS of the soul” Dr Alyn S Davies, Principal of Bretton Hall College (1968-1981)

Observation and feedback suggest that people visiting Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) leave happier than when they arrive, and that the organisation has a meaningful impact on quality of life. The PhD by research will test the validity of this thesis through interviews with visitors, existing and ongoing YSP commissioned visitor research, wider theoretical analysis and other methodologies as appropriate.

Set in 500 acres of historic parkland, four indoor galleries and an 18th-century chapel, YSP sets out to challenge, inspire, inform and delight through a changing programme of exhibitions, projects and commissions; integrated with public and learning events and activities. It began in 1977 as a small exhibition of sculpture organised by Peter Murray CBE, lecturer at Bretton Hall College for arts teacher training. The founding mission was to celebrate the birthplace of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth; to share the best of international practice with a regional audience; and to restore and reunite the historic Bretton Estate. YSP has grown organically to become an international centre for the creation, display and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture enjoyed by over 400,000 visitors and 48,000 people engaged in learning.

YSP has been independently assessed, and cited by Cabinet Ministers, as contributing £10 million to the regional economy annually; a return of 500% on public investment. It is recognised as a world leader in its field, with an international reach but demonstrable local relevance and affection. Visitor comments and professional accolades are testament to the fact that YSP has achieved a rare symbiosis of excellence and popularity, and that people are positively affected by their time here.

The possible reasons for this change of mental state will be interrogated and given context through evidence and application of relevant wider research and might include the physical response to landscape and the particular landscape of the Bretton Estate; phenomenlogical encounter with artworks; aspects of the artistic programme; and the biological significance of being in the open air as contrast to inside. The research may include the journey of the NHS with YSP’s arts and wellbeing programme where values and strategies have become aligned.  The research might also lead into consideration of the place of art and its experience in societies both modern and ancient as well as aspects of the sublime and English landscape design.

Researchers will have access to the YSP Archive and institutional knowledge and expertise. The PhD will be an extremely valuable and timely original contribution to the sector with implications not only for YSP but arts advocacy on a national and international platform.

Specific outcomes are expected to include presentation to YSP staff to share and discuss research with a view to informing activity and strategy; presentation at academic conference as appropriate; and dissemination to policy makers, influencers and stakeholders including other organisations and initiatives such as the Economic and Social Research Council’s Arts, Health and Wellbeing Research programme.

Contact for further information: Dr Alison Rowley [log in to unmask]  Tel: +44(0)1484 473130

More information here: https://www.hud.ac.uk/…/artdesignand…/research/scholarships/ …