Rachel E Clarke

I have a background in visual communication and performing arts and trained as a participatory digital arts practitioner. Prior to pursuing a research career, I collaborated with national and international arts organisations, theatre companies and environmental charities on developing digital engagement projects with marginalised youth and communities on migration, climate change, land exploitation and restoration.

I completed an interdisciplinary PhD at Culture Lab, Newcastle University in 2014 working between the School of Computing and the International Centre for Cultural Heritage Studies. My thesis explored the role of socially engaged arts practice in experience-centred design for multi-cultural and multi-racial care. The research led to the co-design of crafted mobile wearable internet of things (IoT) kits for immigrant women’s social care support groups across north east England as part of the BAM! Sistahood Project. The work was also featured in the Foundation for Art and Technology (FACT) Critical Kits programme with Re-Dock and the Social Inclusion through the Digital Economy Hub at Newcastle University.

I now co-deliver and manage a portfolio of collaborative interdisciplinary research projects with academic and non-academic partners that speak to, and draw from my extensive experience of participatory arts, design, media and international development.

Read more about my projects, publications and experience.