World leading creative arts researchers to lead Faculty of VCA and MCM’s new research initiative

Two of the world’s most respected creative arts researchers have joined the Faculty to lead the University of Melbourne’s new creative and performing arts initiative.

Professor Jane Davidson researches in the area of music performance studies, including emotion and expression in performance, vocal studies, performances influenced by historical contexts, musical development, and music and health.

“The creative and performing arts develop through reflective and critical engagement. Articulating research questions and outcomes is an exciting and fundamental project when working within the university context. By enhancing existing research concentrations and developing new ones, this initiative will foster significant innovation and development,” Professor Davidson said.

Professor Mary Luckhurst is the UK’s highest profile practitioner-scholar, a pioneer in applied research, a theatre writer and director and the author of ten academic books on theatre.

Professor Luckhurst said: “The VCA and MCM has the potential to be worldleaders in industry-led creative arts research and I am very excited to be a part of this dynamic, cutting-edge University. The performing arts cultures at University of Melbourne are renowned for their excellence and the new research initiatives will ensure that best practice is celebrated, shared and promoted in the international arena.”

The new initiative aims to position the VCA and MCM at the forefront in creative arts research and will draw together the expertise of researchers, academics and students across the institution.