Post-Study: Supporting the Next Generation of Live Art Practitioners in London

A new collaboration between LADA and Queen Mary University of London

Post-Study is a new research project exploring how early-career practitioners working in Live Art and Interdisciplinary Performance can build sustainable careers and engage in lifelong learning after finishing their studies.

Led by the Live Art Development Agency and Queen Mary University of London with funding from Arts Council England, the project will listen to current final year undergraduate and postgraduate students, and recent graduates to understand what support is most needed – and where the gaps are.

We’re asking a simple but urgent question:

How do Live Art practitioners transition from study into sustainable careers in the creative industries?

Why Now

Across the UK, Live Art and Performance Arts courses are being reduced or closed. At the same time, new graduates are facing a rapidly changing world – from the effects of Brexit and Covid-19 to the rise of freelance and hybrid creative work.

Now more than ever, we need to make sure that early-career practitioners have clear, supportive routes into professional practice and can engage in life-long learning.

This project aims to shed a light on the challenges and opportunities ahead – and help shape a future where Live Art practitioners can continue to grow and evolve.

Who’s Involved

We’re building this work in collaboration with a growing network of partners to ensure the findings lead to real, shared action across the sector.

• Higher Education partners: Central School of Speech and Drama, Queen Mary University of London, Rose Bruford College, University of East London, University of the Arts, London, Rose Choreographic School, London Contemporary Dance School
• Arts organisations: Artsadmin, AutoItalia, Battersea Arts Centre, Chisenhale Art Place & Chisenhale Dance, Future Ritual, London Performance Studios, Mimosa House, Somerset House Studios, Whitechapel Gallery
• Networks, Unions, Local Authorities & Creative Enterprise Zones: Tower Hamlets, Hackney, BECTU, The London Arts & Humanities Partnership

If you’re interested in joining the Post-Study Research Network, please be in touch (info below).