The Arts & Humanities Research Institute (AHRI) has transformed Level 3 of the East Wing Building on the Strand Campus into the REACH Space, a creative place for researchers and postgraduate students to develop connections and collaborations across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Whether generating new research ideas, exploring experimental and arts based research methods, or developing research through a participatory community network, REACH has been designed to provide inclusive opportunities to instigate creative conversations and seed relationships that will bring about positive social change. There is a fully equipped kitchen, arts equipment for arts-based research methods, flexible seating and flip-top tables, a range of ideas generation activities as well as the usual AV and stationery. There are creative flourishes too – bean bags, a fish tank, plenty of plants, whiteboard walls and vibrant artworks commissioned by the AHRI.

Open since mid-October, REACH has already hosted diverse activities from action learning sets to Festivals networking events, from creative arts workshops to reading groups and much more. To stimulate further creative use of the space for research activities,  two funding calls are now open:

 

• Pop-up Research Fund – Applicants can apply for a dedicated pop-up space in REACH for one week to three months, to generate and develop creative and experimental ideas or activities for socially engaged research, alongside an associated budget of up to £1,000. Deadline for applications: 12pm on Monday 25^th November 2019
  
  
• Community Conversations Start-Up Fund – Applicants can apply for up to £250 for activities to engage cultural or community organisations new to their research around a research problem, enquiry or theme of mutual interest. Open call throughout 2019/20

 

REACH can also be booked for ad hoc interdisciplinary and socially engaged research activities that would benefit from its experimental and creative ethos as well as the aim of including those groups commonly marginalised by the academy. Email reachspace@kcl.ac.uk to enquire about booking the space.

Professor Anna Reading, Director of the AHRI, said:

 

“I am excited by the launch of REACH and I look forward to it becoming a thriving hub of innovation to tackle shared societal challenges,”

 

If you would like further information about the REACH Space, email reachspace@kcl.ac.uk. You can follow the AHRI on Twitter (@KingsAHRI) or sign up to its newsletter.