Exploring how the practice of care might be understood as an aesthetic practice (Care Aesthetics Lab)

Public summary

The CARE study was led by Professor James Thompson at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama. He worked with Professor John Keady at the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Dr Jackie Kindell at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Kerry Harman at the University of London and Jenny Harris as the lead artist. The project was funded by the AHRC.

The project explored the concept of care aesthetics and asked what happens when we consider care as a craft or artful practice. The study team explored how sensory and embodied practices of care can improve care services and change the quality of socially engaged arts practices. As part of its design, in year 2 of the study, CARE case studies were run in three settings: i) Health Care Support Workers in NHS Mental Health Wards for Older People ii) Arts-informed care home project for people with dementia iii) Homecare workers visiting older people at home and iv) The aesthetic practices involved in the distribution of food to excluded communities. The study aimed to showcase the skills of care staff and support the caring practices of artists working in health and social care settings. As part of its impact strategy, CARE launched a Care Aesthetic Lab in its first year to bring practitioners from health and social care together with artists to explore new methods and practices of care, and to foster public engagement with the project.

Impact date	1 Apr 2022 → 31 Mar 2025
Category of impact	Awareness and understanding, Health and wellbeing, Society and culture
Impact level	Engagement