Background

The project arises from teaching on the prehistoric art course which encompasses art from Africa and Europe and from a consideration of why the history of art from ancient societies and societies beyond Europe and North America is marginalised or suffers from a 'profile problem'. The project also forms part of a wider commitment within the department to broaden the research profile to encompass research topics that go beyond Europe and North America and to encourage a wider field of expertise through recruitment.

Aims and Objectives

Implement a strategy to unlock existing museum resources in the Northwest of England relevant to African art, to introduce such material at level 3 and postgraduate level, and to widely disseminate these teaching resources. The development of new material will focus on the 'diaspora of material culture' and the 'sociology behind the provenancing of artefacts'.

A resource of images and object documentation drawn from museums and archives will be developed for students and, copyright permitting, other institutions.

Resources

The images will be taken from Thomas Dowson's own collection and from local museum collections in addition to object documentation. The rich provision of museums in Manchester will also be used as a resource for visits and study.

Timescale

Groups Affected

Professor Tom Rasmussen (Director Art History Programme), Dr Mark Crinson (Head of School), Thomas Dowson (Project Director, Lecturer in the School of Art History and Archaeology). Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in the School of Art History and Archaeology.

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