The hybrid event was organised by Nina Jones, Jemma Saunders and Ella Wright, all of whom are undertaking audio-visual PhDs in the Department of Film & Creative Writing.
Over 20 doctoral researchers and academics attended, with some joining on Zoom from countries including Israel, Denmark and the USA. The colloquium explored identities and methodologies of those undertaking creative practice research across a range of disciplines, with a focus on PhD students, and on fostering a community of practice.
Dr Richard Langley, who completed his audio-visual PhD at Birmingham in 2012, gave a keynote speech titled ‘“There’s no place in academia for someone like you”: Reflections on Supervising Audio-Visual PhDs’, in which he talked about his own career path, which has included roles both within and outside of higher education, and the diversity of creative theses he has overseen as a supervisor.
The afternoon incorporated a practical exercise, during which participants were encouraged to reflect on their personal approaches to methodology following on from earlier discussions. Nina, Jemma and Ella are now creating an audio-visual piece based on the day’s discussions, with a view to submission to a journal, and intend to run the colloquium as an annual event where further open conversations and collaborations can flourish.