The Creative Laboratory: Searching and Researching through Practice

At UAL, knowledge and research is at the core of our approach to changing the world for the better. It is how we identify and address some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change to social justice and how we enhance the way we teach our students. Our research contribution to the world is foundational to both our global shared futures, and the very concept of a university of our kind.

We are committed to expanding the borders of knowledge and creative practice. Artistic practice has a complex relationship to the accepted boundaries of traditional research methodologies – and learning by making holds an immense value in shaping our understanding of research processes and the impact of art and design on society.

The Creative Laboratory: Searching and Researching through Practice bought together an inspirational panel of artists and thinkers to discuss the concept of creative practice as research, whereby knowledge is forged through creation, and where the arts become a catalyst for personal and societal change.

Speakers presented their ground-breaking projects, showcasing how their creative practice has opened new avenues of exploration. Throughout the event, attendees embraced the transformative power of practice as research across four separate panel discussions.

You can watch the recordings of the conference here.

A round-up of panel discussions

Panel 1
What would the Earth have us do?

This panel discussion was chaired by Sian Sutherlandis, who is Co-founder of A Plastic Planet, one of the most recognised and respected organisations tackling the plastic crisis and PlasticFree, the first materials and systems solutions platform.

We were joined by Nicolas Rochat, CEO and founder of Mover Plastic Free Sportswear -who are pursuing a uniquely 100% entirely compostable sportswear made from wool, alongside Dilys Williams, Professor of Fashion Design for Sustainability, and founder and Director of UAL’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion.

Panel 2 

Dialogue, Presence and The Gift

This panel was made up of artist and academic, Professor Samson Kambalu, whose sculpture Antelope currently occupies the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square; Professor Professor Pratāp Rughani, documentary filmmaker and Associate Dean of Research at LCC and Dr Mark Sealy, Director of Autograph and Professor of Photography, Rights and Representation at LCC.

Panel 3 

We’re all animals

This session was chaired by radio and television presenter and novelist Francine Stock, who was joined by internationally acclaimed American academic Professor Jennie Stephens, alongside award winning composer and lead in Art Making in the Anthropocene at The Royal Conservatoire of Music, Dr Emily Doolittle, and Robin Maynard, CEO of Population Matters,

Artist and current PhD candidate W.K.Lyhne, also presented her practice-led research.

Panel 4

Feeling our way

The final panel was led by Sonia Boyce OBE RA, Professor at UAL and inaugural Chair in Black Art and Design, joined by Tanita Tikaram, singer and performer in the black female chorus within Sonia's multilayered installation.