The United Kingdom is home to a vibrant and varied arts and humanities research infrastructure, featuring an extensive network of institutes, centres, hubs, research clusters, and networks, as well as professional, learned, and scholarly societies focused on research. However, this rich repository of resources faces a significant challenge: much of it remains hidden, difficult to discover, and disconnected, thereby limiting its impact and reducing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. To tackle this issue, an innovative initiative was launched by the Digital Humanities Hub at the School of Advanced Study in London, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Research England. This project aims to map the entire arts and humanities research infrastructure within the UK, with the goal of making it easily accessible, well-connected, and visible to both scholars and the wider public.
In order to do so, Mapping the Arts and Humanities in the UK provides an interactive, online, open-access map complemented by a searchable database and an application programming interface (API). Such a tool revolutionises the way researchers in the arts and humanities identify potential collaborators, transcending traditional boundaries and disciplinary silos. By facilitating connections beyond immediate networks and disciplines, the project opens new avenues for collaboration across various activities, projects, initiatives, and sectors.
The significance of this project extends beyond simplifying the search for collaboration. It underscores the importance of maintaining a diverse and vibrant landscape for arts and humanities research. In doing so, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how this research infrastructure benefits culture, society and the economy at large. The project aligns with existing analyses by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on the infrastructure landscape, aiming to complement these studies by delving into what constitutes humanities research infrastructure and highlighting the need for more in-depth research in this area.
By mapping the arts and humanities research infrastructure, the project not only aids in uncovering the hidden gems within this ecosystem but also promotes a more nuanced appreciation of the contributions of arts and humanities research. This effort is crucial in a time when the value of arts and humanities is increasingly questioned in the face of pressing global challenges. It reaffirms the essential role these disciplines play in fostering cultural understanding, promoting social cohesion, and driving economic innovation.
For scholars, this map and database will serve as indispensable tools for navigating the complex research landscape, enabling them to leverage the full spectrum of resources available across the UK. For the wider audience, it offers insights into the rich tapestry of arts and humanities research activities, illuminating their significance and interconnections.
As the project progresses, it holds the promise of not just mapping the present state of arts and humanities research infrastructure but also charting a course for its future development. In doing so, it aims to strengthen the foundations of arts and humanities research in the UK, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance in addressing the complexities of the contemporary world.
Further info:
