About the project
The project aims to investigate the evolving nature of work-related mobilities in the creative economy. Using qualitative methods and focusing on one sector or place, it will examine the connections between:
- locational choices
- citizenship regimes
- the nature of place (geographic, relational, economic, imaginative and emotional dimensions)
Creative industries such as music, film and new media have long clustered activities and infrastructure in a handful of established large urban centres. As a result, aspiring creative talent has typically flowed from small towns and regional incubators to national centres and global capitals.
While large urban centres may still be regarded by many creatives as the ‘place to be’, recent developments may be undermining their attractiveness and centrality. Many cities are becoming more crowded, costly, competitive and cutthroat. At the same time, new forms of independent production, digital technologies and mobilities are furnishing individuals with greater freedom to arrange where, when and how they live and work. This freedom has been enhanced by the recent rise and acceptance of home-based, remote and nomadic work arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project aims to investigate the evolving nature of locational choice and the practices of work-related mobilities amongst creative workers. We are looking for PhD students to co-design a project around the theme of work-related mobilities. Qualitative methods will be used and students are encouraged to develop an approach which reflects their own interests, backgrounds, knowledge and connections. For example, the project could focus on one sector (e.g. music, art, fashion) and/or one place, neighbourhood or location.
The study will have strong relevance to global, national and local policy-making around the creative economy, and the student will be expected to develop impact from their work.
