AHRC Creative Economy Studentship - Communities at the Fringe: An organisational ethnography of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with Queen Margaret University, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified PhD applicant for a Creative Economy Studentship (CES) undertaking a study into the production of ‘community’ by the Festival Fringe Society. The studentship will commence in autumn 2017.

This research will explore the communities that are produced by the existence and activities of large, international festivals, and the organisations that facilitate them. It will consider the type of communities that are formed and sustained, their ontological nature, the manner in which they are made, and the interrelationships between them. This study will not only consider the highly visible annual output of the Fringe itself, but will equally focus on the processes and practises of production, both formal and informal, that go into its delivery. In so doing, the study will provide greater understanding of how such organisations influence the public sphere, create values, and shape social relationships not only through their intended outputs, but through all of their activities.

This is an opportunity to pursue an original doctoral research project involving two Scottish Universities, working closely with a major international festival.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their theoretical and organisational approach, and the project team welcome suggestions and possible research approaches. An interest in using innovative research methods, for the subject, is particularly welcome. Currently, the project has several possible research questions, under the broad heading of how the processes and practices of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society produce Communities?

These might include:
• What communities are formed through the actions and activities of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society?
• What types of communities are formed?
• What are the nature of these communities?
• How do these communities form? At what points are they made and remade?
• What are the relationships between these communities and how are they mediated through the activities of the Festival Fringe Society?
• What relationship exists between these communities and the public sphere?

Eligibility:
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree (1st or Upper 2nd Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent) and a Master’s qualification in a relevant discipline.
An interest in social science methods, such as interviewing or social network analysis, for example, would be welcomed.
Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is only open to candidates from the UK/EU.

How to apply:
Applications should be accompanied by a copy of a research proposal responding to the aims of the CES project outlined above, copies of original transcripts and degree certificates, a statement of application, a CV and two references.
A covering letter stating that you wish to be considered for the AHRC Creative Economy Studentship - Making Art & Making a Living: The role of festivals in contemporary arts careers should be sent to the ECA Postgraduate Office, by email to [Email Address Removed]

Further information:
If you have any queries about the application process, please contact [Email Address Removed]
Informal enquiries relating to the CES project can be made to Dr Dave O’Brien [Email Address Removed]

Closing date for applications: 21st July 2017
Interviews will be scheduled for First week in August 2017
Starting date: September 2017