A major research project into the histories and futures of the Live Art sector in the UK

The UK’s Live Art sector is globally recognized and respected. Over the last few decades Live Art in the UK has achieved significant national impact in relation to issues of diversity, internationalism, talent development, public impact and removing barriers to engagement to the arts. However, there has never been independent research into the conditions, opportunities, challenges and impacts of the Live Art Sector, until now.

The Live Art Development Agency (LADA) is delighted to announce the appointment of the consultants who will carry out this unprecedented research. Dr Elyssa Livergant (London) in collaboration with Dr Cecilia Wee (London), working with Dr Johanna Linsley (Dundee), Dr Tim Jeeves (Liverpool) and Dr. Tarek Virani (Bristol) will carry out this work as a collective, bringing perspectives of working within and outside Live Art in different locations within the UK, to create a rigorous, critical and robust research base that maps the impact and influence of Live Art, both problematising and celebrating its complexity, diversity and achievements, and generating fresh thinking about potential opportunities for the sector.

“We seek to examine Live Art’s influence on the creative case for diversity, the nurturing of challenging and risky artistic practices and mainstream cultures, identifying the challenges that lie ahead for Live Art and proposing actions that will enable development of Live Art practitioners, practices and the sector into the future through an exploration of the people, places, resources and relationships that underpin the sector.”
Dr Elyssa Livergant, Dr Cecilia Wee, Dr Johanna Linsley, Dr Tim Jeeves and Dr. Tarek Virani

LADA had sought proposals from freelance consultants to deliver this important piece of research into the current conditions, opportunities, challenges and impacts of the UK’s Live Art sector. Twelve proposals were received and reviewed by LADA, in dialogue with a Steering Group comprised of artists, academics, activists, funders and producers, from which this appointment was made.

The research will also involve the commissioning of responses to the conditions, opportunities, challenges and impacts of Live Art by writers and artists, to be announced.

This independent research project is commissioned by the Live Art Development Agency, in partnership with the national network organisation Live Art UK, and is being undertaken in close dialogue with Arts Council England. The project is funded by an award from Arts Council England and partnership support from member organisations across the Live Art UK network.