Having worked in the arts industry for six years, Jade Sturrock was keen to enhance her professional skills within the Participatory Arts Sector, and learn more about how social practice can be applied in contexts outside of more traditional artistic spaces such as galleries and museums. The MA Applied Arts and Social Practice course at QMU offered her just that.
For her dissertation, Jade chose to research how women who had experienced trauma could explore their own healing and connection through artistic expression, using the body as a catalyst. She applied for QMU’s Vice-Chancellor's and Student Development Fund to help with research costs. Her successful application led to an incredibly transformative and worthwhile project, which highlighted the potential for deeper connections and change through participatory art. Jade believes that the skills, confidence, and knowledge she gained through leading her research contributed enormously to her securing her new senior role at an arts charity.
Now graduated, Jade discusses how her degree, and the funding from QMU, has helped her develop the skills needed to create a sustainable career and open doors to new opportunities.
Why did you choose to study at QMU?
I chose to study at QMU because I saw the MA Applied Arts and Social Practice course advertised on the Creative Scotland opportunities portal, and I was really interested in it. The fact that the postgraduate certificate was funded by the Scottish Government made it an even more attractive opportunity. When I looked into the course further, it seemed like the perfect fit — both in terms of content and timing.
The University itself appeared friendly and accessible, which was a big factor for me. At the time, I had been working part-time in the arts for about six years and was looking for something to enhance my professional skills. I wanted to learn more about the industry and deepen my understanding and practical skills within applied arts and social practice work.
What did you most enjoy about the MA Applied Arts and Social Practice course?
The course was a really great mix of challenging and enjoyable. The content was engaging, and I particularly enjoyed the practical field visits, which stood out the most.
One memorable moment was visiting the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop. We learned about how they engage with the local community, and the kinds of activities they offer. It was valuable to see how the theoretical learning we were taught in class was put into practice in real-world arts organisations.
Hearing from guest lecturers was another highlight, as it really helped cement the knowledge we gained in class. I also really enjoyed working with fellow students on group projects, as we all had such diverse artistic practices and learned a lot from each other.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this course was the balance between theory and practice, and how I could immediately apply what I was learning to my professional work. Being able to work part-time and study at the same time (though at times a challenge!) was incredibly valuable, allowing me to grow both academically and professionally, with both supporting the other.
How did the Vice-Chancellor's & Student Development Fund help you with your dissertation research?
I found out about the Vice-Chancellor's and Student Development Fund through my course leader, Anthony Schrag. I applied because my dissertation and research project involved working with women who had experienced trauma, and I needed access to arts materials, as well as funds to cover costs like travel and food expenses.
I was granted £750 towards my project costs and was delighted that this then meant I was able to conduct incredibly thorough research, which saw me graduating with an 80% score for my dissertation, resulting in a distinction-level degree.
The funding not only covered essential materials but also allowed me to provide support and access costs for participants, including meals. My research project was actually oversubscribed, with 16 women interested in participating, though I could only accommodate eight. It was incredibly important to me that the project be as inclusive and accessible as possible, particularly as it involved working with women who had experienced trauma or gender-based marginalisation. All the participants shared positive feedback, feeling that they were well considered and cared for, a large part of which was made possible through the grant I received.
Could you tell us a bit more about your research project?
Reflecting on the experience, the research project was a deeply personal and transformative process, not just for the participants but also for myself. I sought to find out what could happen when creating a space where participants could explore their own healing and connection through artistic expression. The workshops revealed the power of community care, where participants supported each other, sharing knowledge, skills, and empathy. Witnessing this exchange was incredibly moving and highlighted the potential for deeper connections and change through participatory art. However, it also made me reflect on the ongoing need for more sustainable support systems beyond these temporary workshops. This experience underscored both the challenges and possibilities within this kind of work, particularly when aiming to address the root causes of inequality.
Further study might be valuable in this and that's something for me to consider for the future. But for now, and since receiving the support from QMU, I have secured a more senior role at an arts charity, which I secured in April 2024. The skills, confidence, and knowledge I gained through leading my dissertation project, contributed enormously to my success in securing this position.
This new role has been a significant step forward for me, both professionally and personally. In the longer term, I hope to build on this foundation and eventually run my own arts organisation. I believe that the opportunity provided and supported by the fund helped me on the path to achieving this and I want to thank QMU for the impact this grant has had on my life and career.
Do you have any advice for students looking to apply for the Vice-Chancellor's & Student Development Fund?
"Applying for the Vice-Chancellor’s and Student Development Fund was a game-changer for me. It provided me with the resources I needed to support my research participants more than I could have otherwise. My advice would be to have a clear project plan and a strong idea of how the funding will support your work. Make sure you can demonstrate what difference the funding will make and how it will benefit your project. "
How did your lecturers support your learning?
The lecturers were incredibly supportive throughout the course. They always made time for us to chat and engage in discussions, and the social elements they organised alongside the course were really helpful. There were plenty of opportunities in class to ask questions and engage in discussions, which I found really beneficial for deepening my understanding. I found every lecturer very down to earth and approachable, which definitely helped.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
My advice would be to make the most of the field trips and site visits as they offer invaluable practical insights. If you are working while taking the course, I found it really helpful to apply what I was learning to my job and freelance practice. So, if possible, try to experiment and implement your newfound knowledge in real-world settings as it really helps reinforce what you’re learning.
Also, look at the reading list and start reading now if you can. There is so much interesting content to look at - and it always helped to come to class well prepared.
Finally, choose to write your essays on subjects you are naturally interested in - it really helps motivate you when you’re juggling deadlines!
Can you tell us more about your new role?
Currently, I am working for an arts charity called Eco Drama, which helps children and communities in Glasgow connect with nature and our amazing living planet through drama and arts.
My role is Fundraising and Communications Manager, a job I secured towards the end of the course. I feel that without this course, I may not have had the confidence or expertise to take on this role. I also continue my freelance participatory arts work, engaging with communities.
Looking forward, I aim to secure funding to continue the project I started as part of my dissertation called ‘Embodied’, which focused on working with women who have experienced trauma and working with the body.
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