Drawing Across x Along x Between x University Borders by DRAWinU

CONFERENCE, UNIVERSITY OF PORTO. October 16, 17, 18th, 2024 :: Drawing Across :: Along :: Between University Borders considers the epistemological and transformative potential of drawing research to connect divergent areas in the university today. The conference focuses on drawing-based collaborations between art, science and society to tackle artistic, educational and societal challenges. We invite artists, scientists, educators, students, university policymakers and persons interested in inter-transdisciplinary practices across academia, research, and society to contribute and join the discussion in three possible directions: ACROSS - In what ways are drawing practitioners challenging the disciplinary strictures that often constrain thinking and acting across divergent areas in the university? ALONG - How can drawing activities be an ally of STEM education in the university, and how can STEM practices be an ally of drawing education? BETWEEN - How can drawing-based practices and STEM disciplines collaborate to address the urgency of societal challenges?

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Drawing as a Dynamic Research Tool: Exploring its Diverse Applications and Inclusive Perspectives

BCU/UWE Drawing Research Group
Chloe Masi,Birmingham City University
Gary Embury,University of the West Of England
Lucy Ward,University of the West of England
Anouk Mercier,University of the West of England

In recent years, drawing has emerged as a versatile research tool with applications across various domains. Our research group, a collaboration between the University of the West of England (UWE) and Birmingham City University (BCU), is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted potential of drawing in diverse contexts and building a global drawing research network. This abstract provides an overview of our group's initiatives, highlighting projects that showcase the expansive reach of drawing beyond traditional boundaries.

One of our flagship projects, the Drawn in Residence II, conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, exemplifies our commitment to understanding drawing's role in capturing lived experiences. Led by reportage artists Olivier Kugler, Tim King, and Emily Thomas, in collaboration with esteemed members from UWE's Drawing Research Group, including Anouk Mercier, Lucy Ward, and Gary Embury, this project documented the complexities of the hospital environment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through drawing, we aimed to convey the intricacies of human interactions, resilience, and vulnerability amidst unprecedented challenges, the work was exhibited in 'Journeys: The Healing Arts' at the Saatchi Gallery. Beyond healthcare settings, our group engages with a diverse range of societal issues through drawing. Collaborating with cross-faculty students at Birmingham City University and the University of the West of England, we facilitate projects that empower them to explore themes such as feminism and gender identity through artistic expression. By providing a platform for students to engage with pressing social concerns, we aim to foster critical thinking and dialogue, transcending disciplinary boundaries and promoting social change.

In addition to our ongoing projects, we are currently spearheading the Bloomsbury Handbook of Drawing Research, a ground breaking publication that offers a global perspective on drawing research. This handbook, emphasising inclusivity, will feature academic research alongside contributions from professional practitioners, showcasing a diverse array of drawing practices. Importantly, it will also highlight working drawings by individuals who utilise drawing in their lives, irrespective of their artistic background. This inclusive approach seeks to broaden our understanding of drawing's significance across cultures, disciplines, and communities, reflecting its universal appeal and relevance.

In essence, our research group's endeavours underscore the transformative potential of drawing as a dynamic research tool. By embracing drawing's versatility and inclusivity, we aim to catalyse interdisciplinary dialogue, foster empathy, and illuminate novel avenues for inquiry. As we continue to explore the expansive terrain of drawing research, we invite fellow scholars and practitioners at the conference to offer their ideas for our Handbook and join us in this journey of discovery and innovation.

Keywords: Drawing, Research Tool, Reportage, Interdisciplinarity, Higher Education

Biography
Drawing Research Group is an inter-institutional collaboration across the University of the West of England and Birmingham City University founded in 2019. DRG is a collaborative research group exploring the expanded role of drawing across interdisciplinary contemporary practice.

The four co-founders are:
Gary Embury, Senior Lecturer Illustration University of the West of England, UK (gary.embury@uwe.ac.uk)

Lucy Ward, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art, University of the West of England, UK (lucy3.ward@uwe.ac.uk)

Anouk Mercier, Technical Instructor for Visual Studies, University of the West of England, Artist, France (anouk.mercier_uwe@icloud.com)

Chloe Masi, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication, Birmingham City University, UK (chloe.masi@bcu.ac.uk)

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DRAWinU - Drawing Across x Along x Between x University Borders - 2024