PhD Research
In an exciting new development, praXis and Staffordshire University have appointed a PhD researcher.
Janet Hetherington will work across the region with a number of arts commissioners to assess whether there is a business case for Arts and Health, and her focus will be on projects of a public health nature. Here Janet talks about her background and her aspirations for the work. She will also be recording her progress in a regular blog for praXis.
Hello - I am the new arts and health PhD bursary student who will be investigating whether there is a business case for arts and health as part of Praxis work.
I say new, but for the past 10 years I have been dabbling in the world of arts and health as the Arts Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Here I had the joy (and sometimes the frustrations!) of setting up a hospital arts programme, which includes a whole range of creative mayhem ranging from clowns and vocal coaches to graffiti artists and dancing in the corridors! There was never a dull moment and it provided me with a unique insight into understanding what a difference the arts can make in how NHS services are delivered.
Alongside this chaotic world of arts and health, I am also a Senior Lecturer in Civic Engagement in the Creative Communities Team at Staffordshire University. As part of this role, I get the chance to develop projects and courses that help respond to local community needs. Staffordshire has a really active arts and health community and as a result for the past few years I have taught on the Artist Professional Development Programme: Developing Arts for Health.
I have a bit of a nerdy passion for work- so in the past few years I have been involved in a range of participatory research, training and consultancy activities including developing family friendly cultural and arts provision to developing child and young person- led consultation processes.
Amongst all of this work, I have tried tomaintain a healthy interest and engagement in the arts – my degree and masters are in Theatre Production. I have a 9-month-old baby so she is ensuring I continue to develop a plethora of early years creative activities (just give me a cereal box and you will be amazed at the end result!), and I have a big passion for cakes, thrifty shopping and anything involving a glue gun!
You can read Janet’s Blog here
See more research and the beginnings of an evidence base here
