PROJECT OVERVIEW
Performing arts such as dance and physical theatre can make significant contributions to wellbeing across the lifecourse, not only through movement, but through cognitive, social, aesthetic, artistic and creative mechanisms. South Asian Muslim families negotiate and overcome various socio-structural barriers to engage in performing arts, linked to marginalising aspects of their identity including gender, ethnicity, religion and/or deprivation. Cultural dance forms, and relatable leaders may provide ‘representations of the possible’ by challenging stereotypes and providing opportunities for enhancing wellbeing through the reaffirmation, development and sharing of cultural heritage in diverse societies. Despite this, research on developing culturally informed performing arts interventions and evaluating their wellbeing impact is limited. There is an urgent need for building knowledge about the role of arts and culture in promoting wellbeing amongst South Asian Muslim families.
This collaborative PhD offers an exciting opportunity to conduct action-research alongside the JU:MP culture initiative in the Born in Bradford programme. Based within the NHS, ‘JU:MP culture’ is a place-based initiative that aims to promote arts and culture-based approaches to physical activity amongst children and families in Bradford UK, to reduce health inequalities and build community cohesion. Over 25% of Bradford’s population are from a South Asian Muslim background; JU:MP culture is testing targeted, culturally informed performing arts approaches to promoting wellbeing amongst Bradford-based South Asian Muslim communities.
PARTNERSHIP
Born in Bradford (BiB) aims to find out what keeps families healthy and happy. BiB uses this information to work with the local authority, health, education and voluntary sector providers across Bradford district to develop, implement and evaluate ambitious programmes to improve population health. BiB hosts a range of programmes to improve health working with the local authority, health, education, cultural and voluntary sector providers. One such programme is JU:MP, Bradford’s whole systems approach to physical activity for children and families, funded by Sport England. JU:MP is a practice-based approach which aims to increase population-level physical activity and reduce inequalities through discrete but interconnected initiatives. Initiatives include: active faith settings, creating active schools, green space developments, local action plans, strategic influencing, people development, active travel, and JU:MP culture.
The latter, which is the primary focus of this PhD proposal, aims to: (1) promote physical activity through performing arts-based activities (e.g. dance, parkour, physical theatre), (2) develop culturally-sensitive approaches to support engagement with physical activity and performing arts, (3) draw on traditional cultural practices for engaging in physical activity, performing arts and promoting wellbeing, and (4) utilise sport and physical activity to promote intercultural and broader community cohesion. Born in Bradford is a strategic partner for Bradford 2025 City of Culture and JU:MP culture works in partnership with Bradford 2025 and other partners including the LEAP, Living Well, Play Bradford, and Active Bradford to deliver JU:MP culture.
STUDENTSHIP DETAILS
The PhD studentship will be funded by the Grand Union DTP for an expected 3.5 years (or part-time equivalent) from October 2025. The award length offered may differ depending on the candidate’s prior training and how they meet ESRC training requirements. The part-time option is only available to students with a Home status, or those that do not require a Visa for study in the UK.