craftscotland’s PhD studentship

I am delighted to announce that Rachel McCrum has joined the craftscotland team. Rachel will be working closely with us for three years, providing timely research on the Scottish craft sector which will lead to a greater understanding of the context in which craftscotland operates. The research, in partnership with craftscotland and the University of St Andrews’ Institute for Capitalising on Creativity (ICC), will lead to a PhD awarded by University of St Andrews.

Whilst a PhD studentship may not be the obvious next step for craftscotland’s expanding team, it is an important one. The Scottish craft sector is currently lacking in the areas of research, analysis and evaluation. It’s crucial that we find ways to provide evidence on the value craft has on our surroundings, our wellbeing, our culture, our community and, of course, our economy. Rachel’s appointment is a significant step forward in our research.

We’re passionate about finding ways for the craft sector to work with other art forms. Rachel’s PhD is one of ten ESRC-funded CASE studentships running with the ICC. Students have been placed with other arts organisations around the country including Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, Scottish Screen, Dundee Contemporary Arts and Glasgow UNESCO City of Music. The shared knowledge and learning from working alongside the organisations and their PhD students will also greatly improve our understanding of craft’s place in the cultural landscape of Scotland.

- Emma Walker