The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has today unveiled an exciting new initiative, naming nine international fellows who will lead a major programme focused on exploring the future of creative and cultural practices. This initiative, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), aims to push the boundaries of artistic research while addressing pressing issues within the creative industries.

The nine fellows hail from diverse backgrounds, including artists, academics, and practitioners such as Stephen Bailey, Jemma Desai, Janice Duncan, Tabitha Jackson, Scarlett Kim, Akhila Krishnan, Amy Rose, Amahra Spence, and Nami Weatherby. Their research will delve into crucial topics like trust and reality in the age of artificial intelligence, change-making within creative institutions, and the role of artists as agents of social change.

RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey voiced their enthusiasm for the programme, saying: “Our focus is artist-led research, and the positive impact it can bring about within our cultural industries and our society. The AHRC funding allows us to collaborate deeply with artists and researchers, as well as organisations across a variety of sectors.”

The initiative also involves partnerships with leading global organisations, including Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Music Center, and Stanford University’s Interdisciplinary Arts programme. Fellows will have access to cutting-edge technology, including motion capture and 3D modelling tools, supported by additional AHRC grants.

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in autumn 2024, with a new call for international fellows. The current fellows will convene in Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer 2025 for a Festival of Ideas, where they will present their research findings and explore future opportunities for the sector.

This innovative programme marks a significant step forward in creative research, further establishing the RSC as a leader in global cultural thought and practice.