MediaCityUK

Storycircle and the Framework for Innovation and Research in MediaCityUK (FIRM)

The Department of Media and Communications at Goldsmiths is one of seven partners in FIRM (Framework for Research and Innovation in MediaCityUK) a large-scale transdisciplinary research consortium that also includes the BBC, University of Salford, Lancaster University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Cambridge and Vision + Media. FIRM is funded by the UK Research Council’s Digital Economy Programme. 

The Department is leading a project called Storycircle that focuses on narrative and voice. The project is grounded in existing narrative research that tells us that narrative is empowering and opportunities for narrative exchange are important ways of recognising people as citizens and as human beings; it also tells us that narratives connect people, and the exchange of narratives can connect people who would not otherwise be linked and so generate new insights and knowledge, to the benefit of those involved. 
 
The project aims to research how in the era of digital media such narrative processes can be enhanced so as contribute to economy and society. In the course of the project Goldsmiths will facilitate processes of narrative production and exchange, working with its FIRM research partners, Lancaster and Salford ThinkLab, to generate a narrative ecology in collaboration with local actors and stakeholders.

Our point of departure for this work is the diverse narrative activity already taking place in the Salford and Greater Manchester region around MediaCityUK.

The Storycircle research team are working on up to six project streams each designed to enhance understanding of the digital platforms, user interfaces and social processes through which creativity and knowledge exchange can be stimulated.

Our partners in this research are: Salford City College, Salford Lads’ Club, Oasis Academy, MediaCityUK, People’s Voice Media and The Islington Estate Tenants and Residents Association. 

Read more about the project on the Storycircle blog.

The research team is led by Professor Nick Couldry, who works with Dr. Richard MacDonald, Dr Luke Dickens and Dr. Wilma Clark.